§ Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that registrars of the county courts in South Wales are refusing to record agreements in fatal cases made under the pneumoconiosis benefit scheme; 392W and will he take steps to see that the benefits of this scheme are not withheld from the dependants by any technical hitch in the courts.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonMy hon. Friend is mistaken in thinking that agreements in fatal cases under this scheme have to be recorded in the county court. Under the scheme all awards of benefit are determined by an Administrative Board consisting of representatives of both the employers and the workmen and presided over by an independent chairman. The benefit payable in cases of death has to be paid to the person nominated by the Administrative Board and approved by the Secretary of State or, failing such person, to the Public Trustee, and subject to directions of the Administrative Board, is held and applied by him as he thinks best for the benefit of the persons entitled to the benefit under the scheme.