§ Mr. EDWARD WOODasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether it is stipulated by the Duchy that all insurances of buildings effected by Duchy tenants under their leases should be placed in one particular office; and for what reason the requests of tenants for permission to insure in other offices of repute is refused?
§ Colonel SEELY (for the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)It is stipulated by the Duchy that all insurances of buildings effected by Duchy tenants under their leases should be placed in one particular office of good standing. The reason that requests of Duchy tenants for permission to insure in other offices are refused is that, as a matter of estate management, it is convenient that all insurances should be in one office, and special arrangements have been made with that office beneficial to the Duchy interest, and which it would be impossible to arrange with a variety of offices. Moreover, if full freedom were 872 given, to tenants, it would be very difficult and invidious for the Chancellor to determine whether any particular office suggested was of such standing that he could accept it.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs this the favourable way in which the State treats its tenants?
§ Colonel SEELYI cannot answer that.
§ Mr. BOOTHWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the making of a small panel of two or three offices of good repute?
§ Colonel SEELYI will represent to my right hon. Friend what my hon. Friend says.