§ 45. Mr. BYRNEasked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a Committee to inquire into the conduct of the various industrial insurance companies in connection with the lapsing of policies; and if he will make special inquries into the dealings of the Prudential Company?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The Courts (Emergency Powers) Act prevents the lapsing of industrial policies for small amounts, on which premiums had been paid for two years before the War, without an application to the Court, and my right hon. Friend does not at present see any necessity to appoint a Committee to inquire into the matter.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the hon. Gentleman represent to the Prime Minister the advisability of taking some steps to stop gambling in child life for private profit?
§ Mr. WARDLEI have no evidence that any such thing is taking place.
§ Mr. BILLINGDoes not the hon. Gentleman know that all these life insurance companies of this type do nothing else but gamble in the child life of the country?
§ Mr. WARDLEI have no information of the kind.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill you inquires?
§ Mr. BYRNEWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to inquire into the amount of the policies that have lapsed since the outbreak of war?
§ Mr. WARDLEI have already done so, and I find it is less since the War than before.