Mr. T. WILLIAIMSasked the Home Secretary how many fatal accidents occurred in the seven chief industries for the years 1919 to 1925 inclusive, and the total compensation paid to all dependants?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe total number was 20,263 and the total amount of the compensation paid in those cases was £4,750,421.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that, although there were 373 more fatal accidents in industry in 1925 than in 1923 and only 4,323 fewer non-fatal accidents, the total amount of compensaiton paid was £491,166 less in 1925 than was paid in 1923; and will he look into the cause and explain the reason for these reduced payments?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI would refer the hon. Member to pages 5 and 6 of the Home Office Statistics for 1925 for an explanation of the reduced payments. He will find that there was a large increase in the average amount paid in fatal cases, and that the reduction in the total amount paid in all cases is due entirely to a fall in the amount paid in the non-fatal cases. This fall is largely the result of the repeal of the War Addition Acts.