HC Deb 17 May 1938 vol 336 cc209-10
26. Mr. Storey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been reached as to a scheme for compensation to property owners for damage caused by enemy action in time of war?

32. Major Sir Herbert Cayzer

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent decision of the British insurance companies and underwriters that they are unable to cover private property against damage or destruction as the result of enemy action in war time, he is now able to say what progress has been made in the inauguration of a Government scheme to cover this risk?

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

As I explained in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Wandsworth Central (Colonel Nathan) and the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. Joel) on 2nd November last, the question of putting into operation any scheme of compensation, should the contingency arise, would be one for the Government of the day to decide in the light of the circumstances of the time. Such preparatory work as can usefully be undertaken in time of peace to facilitate the eventual application of a scheme of compensation is well in hand.

Mr. Kirkwood

In considering the possibility of having a scheme to compensate the owners of property in the event of damage and destruction caused by air raids, will the Government also consider the possibility of having a scheme to provide compensation for the loss of breadwinners who are killed as the result of air raids?

Mr. Stanley

That question raises rather a different point, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it down.

Mr. Kirkwood

I will.