HC Deb 23 November 1950 vol 481 cc501-2
46. Major Guy Lloyd

asked the Lord President of the Council what provision is being made to ensure appropriate compensation to ticket holders at the Festival of Britain Celebrations throughout the country who may suffer injury, whether fatal or not.

Mr. H. Morrison

It is not the practice of Government Departments to insure against liability for compensation for injury and, accordingly, the Festival Office has made no special arrangements in respect of the Exhibitions directly organised by that Office. So far as other exhibitions or celebrations are concerned, provision against risk or injury is a matter for the organisers and is not the responsibility of the Festival Office.

Major Lloyd

While appreciating the significance of that reply, would the right hon. Gentleman seriously take into consideration approaching the Corporation of Lloyds and asking them whether it would not be possible to include some cover of the risks involved to citizens who attend these exhibitions within the price of admission? After all, if the Corporation can take the risk of the liberal losses involved, they can do this.

Mr. Morrison

It would appear that what the hon. and gallant Gentleman is advocating is that we should increase the charge of admission.

Major Lloyd

No, I did not say that.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Would it not be possible for the Festival authorities to operate some such [...]heme as exists on the railways where by paying a small additional sum life insurance can be obtained?

Mr. Morrison

That is the same point as the proposal to increase the cost of admission.

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