WORKERS' WAR INJURIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24912, 11 May 1942, Page 4

WORKERS' WAR INJURIES

PROVISION FOR COMPENSATION (P.0.P.R.) WELLINGTON, May 9. The enactment by regulation of legislation for compensation for war injuries pending the passing of a Bill by Parliament was announced by the Prime Minister. Mr P. Fraser, before the House of Representatives adjourned to-day. He said that copies of the War Injuries Bill had been received only yesterday, and it would be a mistake to rush the legislation through Parliament. Mr Fraser said the Bill would replace the Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability Act. He proposed next week to go fully into the matter of regulations pending the meeting of Parliament in June, so that liability could be removed from the insurance companies because it was an enormous responsibility and only the nation could really carry it without incurring the risk of a catastrophe. The Bill would cover all kinds of workers, whether engaged in employment or not employed for the time being. The proposal to cover the gainfully employed worker followed the example of Great Britai* and Australia. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, asked if any provision for compensation was to be made for those not employed at all. The Prime Minister , replied that social security provided for them. Mr Holland said he hoped that the liability of insurance companies for personal loss was covered by this insursncG Mr Fraser replied that he would have to discuss that matter.