NATIONALISED UNDERTAKINGS (INSURANCE) (Hansard, 17 April 1947)

45. Mr. E. P. Smith
asked the Prime Minister what is the latest estimate of the recent fire damage to Himley Hall; whether this was covered under any insurance policy; and if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to insure all goods and premises owned by Government departments or quasi-governmental bodies such as the National Coal Board.

§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)
The first part of the Question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.
As regards Government Departments, and subject to some exceptions, in the case of foodstuffs and raw materials, it has not normally been the practice to insure either goods or premises, since like insurance companies, they can spread their risks over a period of years, and it does not pay them to insure. As regards nationalised undertakings the question of insurance is a matter within the discretion of the individual boards, but I understand that it is not the practice of the National Coal Board to insure.

Mr. E. P. Smith
The right hon. Gentleman has referred the first part of my Question to his right hon. colleague the Minister of Fuel and Power, but since he has accepted my Question with regard to Himley Hall, could I not have an answer as to whether it was insured?

§ The Prime Minister
That is a question which should be put to the Minister of Fuel and Power and which concerns the activities of the Coal Board. It is very undesirable to put departmental questions to me and to get me to answer them by tacking on some question of general Government policy. The result would be that I should be answering all kinds of departmental queries.

§ Mr. Gallacher
May I ask the Prime Minister if there is any evidence available that this fire was caused by the capitalist Fascists referred to in Question 30?

§ Sir W. Smithers
Is the Prime Minister aware that it is quite hopeless to address a question of this kind to the Minister of Fuel and Power because he always takes shelter behind the Coal Board?

§ The Prime Minister
The hon. Member should give that advice to his hon. Friend on the other side.