§ Sir D. NEWTONasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that under the Workmen's Compensation Act the rate of compensation payable to a workman can in no case exceed his earnings at the time of the accident, notwith- 288W standing that the value of money may largely depreciate, he will in any future legislation take this factor into account?
Mr. DAVIESMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The possibility of making some permanent provision for the adjustment of compensation according to the rise and fall in the cost of living was, I understand, considered by the Holman-Gregory Committee, but the Committee did not see their way to put forward any general scheme. They did, however, recommend that provision should be made to enable the injured workman to benefit by any substantial rise which may take place after the accident in the rate of wages applicable to his class of employment, and the hon. Member will find that this recommendation is given effect to in Section 15 of the amending Act of last Session.