§ 65. Mr. Simmondsasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that uncertainty exists in the minds of workers who continue work during air raids lest personal assurance policies may be thereby invalidated; and whether he will make a statement to the effect that the Government will protect policy-holders if such contingency should arise?
§ Sir J. AndersonI know of no form of policy under which claims which would otherwise be admissible could be ruled out on the grounds indicated in the Question.
§ Mr. SimmondsIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is a problem which is arising in industry? What the workers want is some definite declaration by my right hon. Friend.
§ Sir J. AndersonI do not see how any declaration by me would help. I have made inquiries, and, according to my information, insurance policies which were issued prior to the outbreak of the war did not contain any war-risk clause. The policies issued since September last contain a war-risk clause, and an insurer knows that in the event of death by enemy action the policy does not apply. The question, therefore, whether a person insured has gone in an air-raid shelter during an air raid, does not seem to be material.