§ 10. Lieut.-Commander Tufnellasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that in certain instances insurance companies are refusing to pay claims on insurance policies on the lives of men killed on active service in the Royal Air Force, owing to the policy containing a clause to the effect that it would be void if the life assured should die as a result of engaging in aviation, whereas for a small extra premium this clause would have been deleted by the company; and whether he will take steps to ensure that members of the Royal Air Force are protected in such cases, in view of the hardship caused to the wives and children of such men?
§ Sir K. WoodNo such cases have been brought to the notice of my Department. The Air Ministry has always used its best endeavours to persuade insurance companies to quote the most favourable rates possible in regard to aviation insurance and the companies have made considerable concessions. As regards the. second part of the question, particulars of the terms of insurance available for those entering the Royal Air Force are published in pamphlets circulated throughout the Service and all ranks are made aware 689 of the available facilities. The widow of any member of the Royal Air Force killed on active service is, of course, eligible for a pension as well as for allowances in respect of her children.