§ 38. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the profits made by the Government as the result of its various insurance schemes during the War, he will consider the desirability of the State taking over insurance generally and particularly that relating to the industrial classes?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge man)The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The State, by its schemes of health insurance and unemployment insurance, fulfils already an important part in the sphere of insurance, particularly as it affects the industrial classes. I am not in a position to say whether or not it may prove desirable to extend such schemes of State insurance, but the Government have certainly not considered the policy of making the whole business of insurance in this country a State monopoly.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGHaving regard to the fact that the health and life of the people are the greatest assets of the country, would it not be advisable for the Government to consider taking over at least child insurance?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.