HC Deb 17 March 1972 vol 833 cc197-8W
Mr. George Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of recipients receiving benefits under the pre-1948 Workmen's Compensation Acts.

Mr. Dean

Figures of the total number of persons in receipt of payments under the old Workmen's Compensation Acts are not available. Persons receiving weekly payments of workmen's compensation are, however, able to claim benefit under the Workmen's Compensation (Supplementation) Scheme and there were 12,441 weekly allowances in pay- ment under this Scheme at 30th September, 1970.

Mr. George Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will take steps to bring persons receiving benefit under the Workmen's Compensation Acts up to parity with benefits under the Industrial Injuiries Act, 1948; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dean

No. The Workmen's Compensation (Supplementation) Scheme already provides help for those entitled to weekly payments of workmen's compensation who are incapable of following their pre-accident occupation. Benefit varies according to whether the worker is partially or totally incapable. For those who are totally disabled the supplement is sufficient, with the workmen's compensation, to bring total benefit up to the pension payable for 100 per cent. disablement under the Industrial Injuries Act.