Self-Employed Persons

72.

Mr. Osborne
asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that a self-employed small farmer recently lost three fingers and part of his right hand  in an accident with a circular saw he was operating; that he receives no compensation nor the full increased rate of benefit that goes to an employed man under the National Health Insurance Act; and, in view of the correspondence sent to him, if he will introduce legislation to amend the Act to include self-employed people.

Mr. Steele
I have seen a Press report on the case to which the hon. Member refers. The possibility of extending the Industrial Injuries scheme to self-employed persons was examined very fully during the passage of the Bill and it was generally recognised that it was not practicable to include them.