§ Sir A. Wilsonasked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation to extend the operation of the Disabled Men (Facilities for Employment) Act, 1919, to cover disabilities incurred during the present war?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe Act in question was passed to assist in removing an apprehended obstacle to the employment of disabled ex-service men due to fears expressed by some employers that their liabilities in respect of industrial accidents would be increased by such employment. The experience of the operation of that Act suggests that there is little, if any, ground for apprehending an increase in the accident risk as a result of employing disabled men, and it is questionable whether similar legislation will be necessary or appropriate in the present war. The point will not, however, be overlooked.
§ Sir A. Wilsonasked the Home Secretary what arrangements were made, with the approval of the Treasury, under the Disabled Men (Facilities for Employment Act, 1919, to relieve or indemnify employers against the whole, or any part of, any increase in expenditure arising out of employers liability to pay compensation or damages in respect of accidents or industrial disease, where such increase was attributable to the employment of such men; what number of cases were covered; and what expenditure fell upon His Majesty's Treasury?
§ Sir J. AndersonSpecific arrangements were made with insurance companies for disabled ex-service men in receipt of pensions on account of their disablement to be covered at the ordinary insurance rates without discrimination; and special agreements were also entered into with a few 1301W mutual indemnity associations and large uninsured firms. The arrangements did not relate to any specified number of men. The expenditure falling on the Treasury by way of indemnity under these arrangements was about £8,000.