HC Deb 22 October 1942 vol 383 c2115W
Sir C. Edwards

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that under the scheme which has taken the place of the Compensation Act in war factories there is no method by which the workpeople can appeal against the decisions of the Treasury; and will he consider setting up a board to which these people can appeal in case of dispute?

Captain Crookshank

Under the scheme of compensation for injury to workmen in certain Government establishments, which gives benefits additional to those of the Workmen's Compensation Acts, the decision of the Treasury upon? claim to compensation is final. The acceptance of the scheme in lieu of the Workmen's Compensation Acts is, however, purely optional and a workman who wishes to withdraw from the scheme can do so at any time on giving notice, though such withdrawal cannot, of course, operate retrospectively, I am unable to accept the suggestion contained in the last part of the right hon. Member's Question. The scheme provides for reference of medical questions to a medical referee, and the Treasury is always prepared to reconsider its decision if any fresh facts or considerations are brought to its notice.