HC Deb 24 May 1938 vol 336 cc1039-41
47. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government will consider giving a Treasury guarantee both as to principal and interest to a limited liability company formed for the specific purpose of meeting the public demand for insurance against air-raid damage, such company to be constructed on similar lines to the Railway Finance Corporation?

Sir J. Simon

No, Sir.

Mr. De la Bère

Are the Government not aware, that in the national interest, some form of safeguard for insurance against air raids should be created in this country, and is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that at the moment there is nothing what can be of any real service to answer this purpose?

Sir J. Simon

The hon. Gentleman's question had to do with the Railway Finance Corporation. I do not think the case is in the least analogous.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not a fact that what can be done for one side can be done for all and that if it can be done for the railways it can be done for agriculture in air-raid precautions?

51. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in connection with the preparatory work for an insurance scheme to cover damage to property by enemy action in time of war, he will consider a scheme of life insurance, so that families bereaved of a breadwinner in these circumstances may not be rendered totally destitute?

The Vice-Chamberlain of the Household (Mr. Grimston)

I have been asked to reply. The hon. Member may rest assured that the question of compensation for personal injuries arising out of enemy action is not being overlooked. The position in this matter is similar to that with regard to the question of compensation to property owners, upon which my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade made a statement on 17th May in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Sunderland (Mr. Storey).

Mr. Kirkwood

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that this case is not similar to that of the destruction of property? This is a more serious matter, dealing with human life; and will the Government have regard to that fact?

Mr. Grimston

I will convey the remarks of the hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend.