§ 54. Mr. FELLasked if persons suffering damage to their premises from aerial raids will recover the whole of such damage from the Government and also be able to recover the damages from insurance companies if they are insured; and, if not, and if the insurers are to be relieved from payment of losses, will the premiums be repayable, less say 5 per cent. for expenses?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAny sums received from insurance companies by persons suffering damage to their premises from aerial raids are deducted in payment of the relief assessed by Lord Parmoor's Committee. It is not intended to repay the premiums of insurers. The possibility of a Government scheme of insurance is under consideration.
§ Mr. FELLWhen is this likely to be carried through, because at present there are grave difficulties in the way of borrowing on bills of lading on goods until they are insured, and if they are insured by the Government, why should they pay a premium?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere will be no avoidable delay.
§ 55. Commander BELLAIRSasked what Members of the Government will accept responsibility for the organisation of concerted 503 action of fire brigade and volunteer effort in the London police area; and whether there will be an opportunity for an early discussion of this matter in view of the special demands and changed circumstances of the War?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe responsibility for protection against fire rests, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, with the local authorities and, in the case of the County of London, with the London County Council. The organisation of concerted action between the fire brigades and volunteer assistance is a matter for the council, who, I am sure, will be able to obtain volunteers for all the assistance they ask for. I do not think that Parliamentary discussion is called for at the present time.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the county council desires to shelve the responsibility and hand it over to a Department of the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not quite aware if that is so, or what reason the county council have for wishing to abdicate an authority which the law imposes upon them.