§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what criteria special payments are made to workers disabled by industrial injury.
§ Mr. OrmeThe industrial injuries scheme was introduced in 1948 to replace the Workmen's Compensation Acts which for many years had made special provision for those injured at work. The continuation of special provision was seen to be justified on the grounds that generally there should be extra compensation for persons injured at work where their actions were determined by the requirements of an employer and, in particular, that men entering dangerous occupations ought to be able to do so with the assurance of special provision against their risks. It was considered that only by such provision could the employer's liability at common law be722W restricted to the results of his negligence. As my hon. Friend is aware, the whole question of compensation for personal injury is being considered by the Royal Commission under the chairmanship of Lord Pearson.