§ VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH (Maidstone)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the number of policies likely to be effected in view of the coming into operation of The Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, and to the hardship of the imposition by law of a stamp of sixpence upon each such policy, he will, in the interests of insurers with small means, consider the advisability of providing that, as in the case of insurances against fire, a stamp of one penny shall cover policies effected against the liability cast upon all classes of employers under the Act of 1906.
(Answered by Mr. Asquith.) As I explained in reply to a Question asked by the noble Lord on the 22nd April, all policies of indemnity against accidents on which the annual premium does not exceed £1 are, under Section 11 of the Finance Act, 1899, treated as policies of insurance against accidents and attract a duty of no more than Id. This would seem to be sufficient to meet the case of "insurers with small means," regard being had to the rates of premium usually charged upon such policies, except perhaps in some particularly dangerous trades. The question whether, in view of recent legislation, there is a case for the further extension of the concession is, as I have already stated, engaging my attention.