§ Mr. Hall Caine(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the serious international 2 situation and the possibility of an outbreak of hostilities he will forthwith introduce a compulsory contributory scheme of insurance to insure the homes and property of the people of this country.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)As already stated to the House, the Government after full investigation reached the conclusion that war risks to property on land in this country are not an appropriate subject for insurance, that is, for the payment of graduated premiums on the one hand and an undertaking to compensate in full on the other. They have, however, under active consideration a plan for eventual compensation to the limits and under the qualifications which might be laid down when the actual extent of the damage was known, and I hope that it may be possible to make an announcement regarding it very shortly.
§ Mr. KirkwoodAs I put the same question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer when this matter was raised before, may I ask, does that reply mean that, not only property but the lives and limbs of those who happen to be destroyed or maimed as a result of bombing and other measures, will be included in this compensation?
§ Sir J. SimonOf course that is a separate question, but it is at least as important, and it has not been put behind the question on which I have answered.
§ Mr. RadfordWill it not be possible to take out life insurance on the ordinary lines which will include any risks which may supervene?