ACCIDENT INSURANCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19196, 12 June 1924, Page 11

ACCIDENT INSURANCE.

STATE MONOPOLY SUGGESTED. (From Our Own Correspondent.! WELLINGTON, June 11. Tho Labour Party has selected _ Mr E. J. Howard, M.P., as the workers' representative on the Commission or Committee of Inquiry (whichever is ultimately decided on) to go into the subject of workers' compensation for accidents, and to consider tho advisability of the Stale taking over tho accident insurance as a monopoly. Discussions on this question have been proceeding between the Minister of Labour, Mr T. O. Bishop (Employers’ Federation). Mr J. W. Macdonald (Public Trustee), and Mr Howard. The Minister was anxious that Mr Howard should accept a scat on the Investigating Committee as representative of the workers. Certain details have yet to he adjusted before the inquiry can commence, but the proposal that the State should take over the accident insurance ns a monopoly is distinctly interesting in view of the considerable volume of business Hone in this connection by private companies. If it were finally' recommended to and adopted by the Government, this proposal would lead to a considerable extension of the activities of tho State in connection with insurance. At present tho Government Life Insurance Department covers personal accident insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, and another growing Slate insurance department is that of the State Fire Office.