§ 9. Mr. Higgsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that large catering firms who carry considerable stocks of linen, china, glass, silver, etc., at central establishments to meet the demands for replacements by their branches and suffer damage by enemy action are not paid compensation for loss of these and other similar commodities, although the premium has been paid: and whether he will consider amending the definition of stock in order that such establishments can limit the premium to the articles on which compensation will be paid?
Mr. LvtteltonSpeaking generally, the commodity insurance scheme covers only those goods owned by a seller or supplier of goods which are held for sale or supply in the course of that business. It docs not extend to goods which are of the nature of plant or equipment used in the business. These goods are at present un-insurable and no premiums are payable in respect of them but they will become insurable under the business scheme provided for in Part II of the War Damage Bill now before this House, when the Bill becomes law.