HC Deb 17 June 1942 vol 380 cc1511-2
34. Dr. Little

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has taken steps, in view of the encouragement to smuggling which insurance against loss is giving, to make it illegal for British insurance companies to insure smugglers of food from Northern Ireland into Eire against loss?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade(Captain Waterhouse)

I have no evidence that any British insurance companies are entering into contracts of this kind, but if my hon. Friend will send me particulars, I shall be grad to investigate them.

Dr. Little

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make it clear that any such insurance is illegal, because it is causing a great deal of dissatisfaction in Northern Ireland?

Captain Waterhouse

I do not see any object in making clear that the practice is illegal. If my hon. Friend will send me cases, I will certainly go into them.

Dr. Little

Was it not stated publicly in the courts?

Captain Waterhouse

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me the reference.