§ Mr. HAYESasked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to introduce legis- 1563W lation to restrict undue expenditure and profits in workmen's compensation insurance, and to ensure that a fair and adequate return is made to insured persons as in the case of industrial insurance?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI would draw the attention of the hon. Member to the formal arrangement which was made in 1923 between the then Home Secretary and the Accident Offices Association for the purpose of limiting the charges for employers' liability insurance. It is provided by this arrangement, details of which are given in Parliamentary Paper Cmd. 1891, that the proportion which the total amount paid as compensation by the offices belonging to the association bears to the total amount received as premiums by these offices shall for each of the years 1924, 1925 and 1926 be not less than 60 per cent., and for any subsequent year not less than 62½ per cent. or such other proportion, not being less than 60 per cent., as may be agreed between the Secretary of State and the association. I think that this arrangement should sufficiently protect the employers, and that no compulsory legislation should be necessary.