HC Deb 03 June 1915 vol 72 cc4-5
Sir ALBERT SPICER

I beg to ask the Home Secretary a question of which I have given private notice, namely: Whether, in view of the fact that banks in the City of London holding bills against goods lying in warehouses are demanding insurance policies to cover the goods against aircraft damage or refunds of amounts advanced, and consequently of the serious difficulties under which merchants, and others are placed by reason of their inability to cover the full risks in respect of aircraft damage to property and goods even at prohibitive rates, His Majesty's Government will be prepared to notify the banks that they will hold them covered in respect of these special risks pending the settlement by the Government of some form of insurance or indemnity as already urged by deputation from the London Chamber of Commerce to the Board of Trade on 25th November, 1914, and by letters to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, dated 31st May and 2nd June, 1915?

Sir J. SIMON

I will bring the matter to the notice of the Prime Minister as soon as possible.

Sir A. SPICER

May I say, in addition, at the present time the dislocation and interruption—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member cannot make a statement now.