HC Deb 26 April 1939 vol 346 cc1147-8
72. Sir John Mellor

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the shipments of gold, valued at over £10,000,000 sterling, on each of two recent voyages from England to America of the same vessel; and whether, with a view to avoiding exceptional strains on the insurance markets, he proposes to arrange with the interests concerned for such shipments to be spread over a greater number of vessels or voyages?

Mr. Cross

I am aware of recent heavy shipments of gold. So far as marine war risks are concerned, the Government have already arranged, under the provisional scheme which my right hon. Friend announced in the House on 13th April, to relieve the market by way of re-insurance of the King's Enemy Risks, which are the major risks involved. The terms and conditions of insurance of risks other than war risks are matters for settlement between the parties concerned, and the Government do not propose to take action in the matter.