HC Deb 17 October 1989 vol 158 cc99-100W
Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security why self-employed persons are ineligible to claim disability pension.

Mr. Scott

The arguments for preferential industrial injuries benefit for self-employed people are not as strong as they are for employees. The consideration that a person is acting under orders does not apply and, since there is no employer, there is no place for a preferential scheme to complement and limit the employer's liability at common law.