§ 18. Mr. Bellengerasked the President of the Board of Trade, when it is pro posed to introduce the Bill dealing with war insurance?
§ Mr. StanleyI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Hands-worth (Commander Locker-Lampson).
§ Mr. BellengerCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me what was the effect of that reply?
§ Mr. StanleyThe effect was that the Bill would be introduced as soon as possible.
§ Mr. BellengerMight I ask the right hon. Gentleman to be a little more specific? Does he realise that it is now nearly two months since this scheme was first introduced, and that the agreement with the underwriters depends upon the sanction of this House; and does he not think that the decision is taking a long time?
§ Mr. StanleyI quite appreciate the hon. Gentleman's desire, which is shared by the rest of us, that the legislation should be introduced at the earliest possible moment, but this is a very complicated matter, and hon. Members will be aware that there have been many calls in the last few weeks upon those who are responsible for the drafting of legislation.
§ 43. Mr. Cocksasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the policy of the Government on the question of compensation in respect to premises which may be damaged in the event of hostilities; and, if not, when he expects to be able to make such a statement?
46. Mr. Woodasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the anxiety of factory and property owners as a result of the lack of precision with regard to Government policy in the matter of insurance against war risks; and when he expects to be in a position to give a more precise statement of Government policy with regard to this matter?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)I would refer to the statements which I have already made on this subject. The policy of the Government was clearly set out, in particular, in my statement of 31st January, 1939.