§ 61. Mr. Prenticeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why Mr. A. G. Webb, 60, St. Stephen's Road, E.6, who loses three days' wages every few months so as to attend hospital for the treatment of a prescribed industrial disease, is only paid one day's hospital treatment allowance every time.
§ Mr. DeanBecause the Chief National Insurance Commissioner, to whom the hon. Member's constituent appealed, decided that the allowance was not payable for the day on which he was admitted to hospital or for the day on which he was discharged. The reasons for the Chief Commissioner's decision are fully set out in his decision, a copy of which I understand the hon. Member has studied.
§ 62. Mr. Prenticeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to amend Section 16 of the Industrial 323W Injuries Act so as to make sure that hospital treatment allowances are paid for the days of entering and leaving hospital as well as complete days spent in hospital.
§ Mr. DeanNo. My right hon. Friend does not consider that such a change, which would be inconsistent with the way in which days of entering and leaving hospital are treated for other purposes under the National Insurance Acts, is necessary or desirable.