§ Mr. WINDSORasked the Home Secretary whether, as professional boxers are subject to injury and loss of employment as a result of injury sustained during the practice of their profession, their claims are in any way considered in administering the Workmen's Compensation Act; and, if not, will he take steps to rectify this anomaly?
§ Mr. LLOYDWhether a professional boxer or other professional person such as an actor, football player, teacher, doctor or nurse is a workman within the meaning of the Act will depend on the facts of each case, including the terms of his or her engagement. Except in certain specified cases, the Act applies only if there is a contract of service or apprenticeship, and I do not think it would be possible to apply the Act generally to persons who have entered into other forms of contract, irrespective of the circumstances. Where a professional undertakes activities of a dangerous character, the risk involved and the possibility of taking out an insurance policy can of course be taken into account in fixing the terms of the engagement.