§ 38. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the terms on which masters, officers, and seamen in the British merchant service are to be enabled to insure their effects against War risks; and whether life policies will be granted at the same rate of premium per cent.?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)A certificate of insurance covering the personal effects of masters, officers and seamen against War risks can be obtained at the Mercantile Marine Office at any of the principal ports in the United Kingdom. The insurance is for an amount limited to a maximum, ranging from £100 for the effects of a master to £5 for the effects of a seaman, subject to proof of loss, and is valid for six months. The premium is at present at the rate of 2 per cent. for six months. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a handbill which gives full details of the scheme. The Government have decided to pay compensation on the scale applicable to officers and men employed in Fleet auxiliaries in the case of any British master, officer or seaman on a British merchant ship who is killed or injured by mines, torpedoes or other hostile operations. This scheme, which is in effect a free life insurance, will date back to the beginning of the War.