HC Deb 19 May 1942 vol 380 cc28-9
51. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucas

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now come to a decision about the possibility of the public insuring their lives against death from enemy action in air-raids, &c., in the same way that they can insure their furniture, since the rates offered by the companies vary largely, but are all prohibitive and out of all proportion to the risks incurred and since air-raid precautions workers cannot insure at all?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement, of which I am sending him a copy, which I made on 18th December, 1940, announcing the improvements in and extension to the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme. I said then that the Government considered that the revised scheme was pre-preferable to a supplementary State Insurance Measure, which would have many difficulties. That is still the position.

Sir J. Lucas

Is the Minister aware that, while there is already Government insurance for ships, housing and furniture, the wage-earner cannot insure himself at all? Does he not consider this position very wrong?

Sir K. Wood

This matter was considered when the House discussed the subject, and we thought it was better to have the improvements and extensions to which I have referred.

Sir A. Southby

Is it not a fact that, although the public can insure their chattels and have to pay the premiums, they get no payment for the loss of their chattels until after the war?