§ 27. Mr. W. H. Greenasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what facilities are granted to the Equitable Life Assurance Society and the North British and Mercantile Insurance Company for effecting assurances with all ranks in the Navy; and whether similar facilities are available for all insurance companies and friendly societies without discrimination?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThe facilities granted to these two companies are the maintenance on board His Majesty's Ships of a stock of proposal forms for issue to officers and men desiring to effect an insurance, the checking by naval officers of certain particulars of the forms, and the despatch of the forms to the companies. Provision is also made for medical examination of the proposer by a naval medical officer if this should be required. These facilities are not extended to companies not included in the Admiralty panel.
§ Mr. GreenDoes the Minister not think those companies who were excluded have a grievance in view of the preferential treatment which is accorded other companies?
§ Mr. ShakespeareNo companies are excluded. A large number were asked to tender when the scheme was initiated and the best terms which were offered were accepted.
§ Mr. T. SmithHow long is it since this scheme was initiated; and why should these two companies have what is practically a monopoly?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThere is no monopoly. Eleven companies were asked to tender and only three did so. The scheme has been in operation for about two years.
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithMay I ask whether either of these companies make any contribution to the various funds in the Navy for the privilege of having this work?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI have no information on that point.
§ Mr. GreenWill the hon. Member take an opportunity of reviewing this arrangement in order that other companies may have an opportunity of undertaking this work?
§ Mr. ShakespeareIf companies will not tender I do not see what more can be done.