§ Sir C. Edwardsasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that there are general complaints about the delay in payment of compensation in cases of injury at a factory of which he has been informed; if he will inquire into the case of a man whose name has been given and who has waited nearly two months for payment which has not yet been received; and will he take steps to see that cases are more promptly dealt with.
§ Captain PilkingtonThe answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." The case mentioned in the second part was brought to the notice of my right hon.940W Friend last month. This worker suffered an injury in 1942, but was not discharged until over a year later, in March, 1943, and then on grounds of redundancy. At the time of his discharge he submitted a claim for compensation in respect of the original injury. This was refused in April, 1943. In January, 1944, a firm of accountants took up his claim and furnished further medical evidence. The case was accordingly referred to the Treasury Medical Referee and an award of compensation was eventually made. The man's accountants were so informed on 23rd March, 1944, and were told that they should apply to the Director of Navy Accounts for payment. They were sent an addressed envelope. In acknowledging the Admiralty letter the accountants did not question the award but nearly a month later they wrote saying that they had mislaid the addressed envelope. A new one was immediately sent to them. The responsibility for any delay in payment during the past two months does not rest, therefore, with the Admiralty.