§ 75. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now furnish a statement showing the financial position after the first twelve months' working of the Government war risks insurance scheme?
§ The PRESIDENT Of the BOARD Of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I do not think it would be desirable to publish any figures at present.
§ 76. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether considerable profits have accrued to the Government from their war risks insurance scheme of merchant ships; and, if so, whether, in view of the increase in the cost of living, he will consider the desirability of increasing the weekly allowance of £1 or less to the dependants in this country of our merchant seafarers who are at present interned in Germany?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe hon. Member can safely disregard any reports he may have heard as to large profits made by the insurance scheme. I am afraid it would not be possible to increase the scale of allowances granted in connection with that scheme to the dependants of seamen interned in Germany.