§ 41. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that since the raid on Saturday last the insurance companies have doubled their rate of premiums for 2286 insurance against personal damage sustained in air raids; whether he is aware that this increase is attributable more to the operations of our anti-aircraft guns than to the enemy's bombs; and if he will now make a definite statement as to the liability for compensation for personal damage which the Government are prepared to accept and the exact conditions governing the same?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on 28th June last.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre citizens who are killed by our own anti-aircraft guns entitled to compensation from the Government, and, if so, what procedure are they to adopt to obtain it?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWPerhaps the hon. Member will read the reply to which I have referred him.
§ Mr. BILLINGI have read it, and it conveys nothing to me nor to the people who are anxious to get compensation.
§ Colonel BURNIs my right hon. Friend aware that the insurance companies are offering very reduced premiums? I received a letter this morning saying the terms are so reduced that I might possibly like to insure against air raids.