§ 51. Mr. CURRIEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to estimates that a much lower premium than is being charged should suffice to cover the risk of enemy damage by aircraft and bombardment; and whether a reduction of premium is in contemplation?
Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware that the opinion has been expressed in some quarters that the Government rates for insurance against aircraft risks should be reduced. The rates in force are those recommended by the expert Committee which formulated the scheme, and it is not proposed to modify them. The scheme has been in operation for not quite two months, and the experience acquired is altogether insufficient on which to base any estimate as to the adequacy or inadequacy of the rates of premium charged.