HC Deb 06 July 1915 vol 73 cc190-1
36. Mr. FELL

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the loss and anxiety caused by the delay in settling the question of the reimbursement by the Government of losses which may be occasioned by aircraft raids or by bombardment of coast towns by enemy ships; if the Parmoor Committee is assessing the claims which have already arisen on these heads en business principles; and if he will explain why the operations of this Committee cannot be extended to meet all future cases of loss as they may arise and thus save the necessity of any insurance scheme with its expensive machinery for the collection of premiums and the payment of fancy premiums by nervous individuals to meet risks which there is no means of calculating and which may be valued at 6d. or 5s. per £100 according to the opinion of the insurer?

The MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Lloyd George)

I hope to be in a position to make a statement in regard to the proposed scheme of national insurance against air raids at a very early date.

Mr. FELL

Arising out of that reply, which is the same as has been given several times lately, is not the object of this question to save the expense and trouble of an Act of Parliament which would be required for the purpose of a new scheme, and, as we have the machinery of Lord Parmoor's Committee, will the right hon. Gentleman not say once for all that if the contribution will come out of national funds there will be no further trouble whatever?

Mr. RAWLINSON

As there have been so many questions on this point, will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to let us know when the insurance scheme is likely to be introduced by the Government, as great inconvenience is caused to trustees and owners of houses in every part of England, owing to there being no decision of the Government?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer that it is being pressed on as rapidly as possible.

Mr. RAWLINSON

The last time I asked the question I was told the Board of Trade were dealing with the matter. I shall bring the matter up on the Motion for the Adjournment if I do not get an answer.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The Board of Trade and the Treasury between them are dealing with it.

Mr. FELL

Is there any occasion for any scheme—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is not entitled to make a series of speeches at this period.