HC Deb 16 February 1953 vol 511 cc89-90W
64. Mr. B. Taylor

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he can now make a statement about his discussions with representatives of the Trades Union Congress about rates of workmen's compensation.

Mr. Peake

Yes. As the result of these discussions I have come to the same conclusion as my predecessors, namely, that it is impracticable to attempt to transfer men from workmen's compensation to the Industrial Injuries scheme either compulsorily or on an optional basis.

Nor do I think that the alternative of supplementation for workmen's compensation payments would be justified unless it could be shown that the men concerned are at present suffering financial hardship. The financial position of men on workmen's compensation has been considerably improved by the introduction of the comprehensive insurance schemes and by the recent increases in rates of benefit. Many of them are, in fact, as well or better off than they would be if transferred to the Industrial Injuries scheme. I do not therefore think that the case is made out.

I have, however, been specially concerned about the position of certain married men, and I am submitting to the National Insurance Advisory Committee a proposal to remove existing restrictions which prevent a married man on workmen's compensation who is totally incapacitated from drawing his full sickness benefit.

If these restrictions are removed the normal weekly income from compensation and National Insurance pension or benefit of a totally incapacitated man, or of a partially incapacitated man on maximum compensation who for any reason is not working, will be £;3 12s. 6d. if single £5 4s. if married and £5 19s. 6d. if married with a child: in the most serious cases a further £2 10s. may be added to these sums. For a man and wife these figures are only 5s. less than for the corresponding man receiving 100 per cent. disablement pension under the Industrial Injuries Act, and in the case of a married man with a child the two incomes are the same.

I have written to the T.U.C. informing them of my conclusions.