asked the Minister of National Insurance if she will amend the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act so as to ensure that no workman misses a day's compensation owing to the fact that he is on a shift which starts before and ends after midnight.

The effect on a claim to injury benefit by a night shift worker of the rules for determining what constitutes a day of incapacity varies with the circumstances of the case. I hope to find a solution of the difficulties, but legislation would be needed to alter the rules.

Has not the Minister power to remedy this obvious defect?

I am quite prepared to amend the regulations, but the statutory authorities must administer them as they stand at present.

Would it not be a simple matter to bring in a new regulation?

I will consider that.