§ 79. Sir EDWARD BEAUCHAMPasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called by the War Damage Committee, which claims to represent 718 municipalities, with a population of over 28 millions, to the unfairness of the present scheme of insurance against aircraft and bombardment, which imposes a burden upon citizens unequal in its incidence because determined by geographical situation; and whether the Government will reconsider the question, with a view to giving compensation to owners of property and goods that have already been, or may in future be, damaged or destroyed either by aircraft or bombardment?
§ 80. Mr. NOEL BUXTONasked the Prime Minister, whether he will consider the desirability of granting full compensation to owners of property damaged by aircraft and bombardment, in view of the unequal incidence of the existing system of insurance on different parts of the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of Question 79 is in the affirmative. As I have already informed the House, the Government are considering whether any alteration is necessary in their policy as regards injuries and loss of life in this country due to enemy operations. But I see no reason to alter the scheme of insurance against material losses due to this cause, which I believe is generally regarded as adequate.
§ Sir E. BEAUCHAMPI would ask the Prime Minister whether, if he cannot accept the suggestion in its entirety, the additional premium charged for loss or 1213 damage by bombardment could be remitted and dispensed with, as this charge falls only upon those dwelling on the coast who are already suffering severely from their geographical position.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is being considered, certainly.
§ Mr. HOGGEWhen will a decision be given as to awarding compensation in cases in which lives have been lost?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say. It is an urgent matter.
§ Mr. BILLINGIn the event of there being a change in Government policy, and this additional compensation being given, will it be given in the case of those who have lost their lives and property since the outbreak of the War?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is a hypothetical question to which I can only give a contingent answer.