HC Deb 14 March 1939 vol 345 cc211-2
46. Mr. Liddall

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he hopes to introduce the Bill to deal with war risk insurance, having regard to the decline in the building industry, which is largely attributed to the uncertainty in connection with war risk insurance?

Sir J. Simon

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for St. Pancras, South-West (Sir G. Mitcheson).

Sir John Mellor

In view of the Financial Secretary's statement yesterday that legislation would not be necessary to give effect to the Government's proposals, would the Chancellor of the Exchequer be prepared to amplify the statement of 31st January in greater detail so far as it relates to the building industry?

Sir J. Simon

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will communicate with me if he thinks there is a gap, but the statement was very carefully prepared.

Colonel Nathan

In view of the wide interests involved and the complexity of the subject, will the right hon. Gentleman give ample time between the publication of the Bill and the Second Reading?

Mr. H. G. Williams

In view of the very grave anxiety which is causing considerable unemployment in the building trade, owing to the uncertainty which exists, will the Chancellor of the Exchequer make a further statement?

Sir J. Simon

I do not think, myself, that the difficulties to which my hon. Friend refers are to be attributed solely to this difficulty. I will consider the matter.