HC Deb 31 January 1957 vol 563 cc1156-7
28. Mr. Russell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements are made for insuring Members of the Government against accident when they travel by air on Government business.

Mr. Powell

Insurance in such circumstances is a matter for Members of the Government to arrange privately.

Mr. Russell

Does not my hon. Friend think that in principle it is quite wrong that Ministers should travel on Government business and not have the benefit of insurance? Although happily the chances of accidents are slight, is not the position wrong as a matter of principle?

Mr. Powell

Nowadays, of course, the cost of insurance against risks of travel in these circumstances is very low, and my hon. Friend will probably be aware that Ministers of the Crown count as non-employed persons.

Mr. H. Wilson

Can the hon. Member say whether the Treasury, which ought to set an example as a good employer in this connection, does provide automatic insurance for civil servants travelling by air?

Mr. Powell

The Treasury is not the employer of Ministers of the Crown.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the hon. Member get his terms right? Ministers of the Crown are not non-employed, but self-employed.

Mr. Powell

I am much obliged.

Mr. Wilson

In his début in answering these Questions, will the hon. Member give a clear answer to questions and not clever answers of that kind? I asked him whether the Treasury, which is responsible for the Civil Service, sets an example in this respect and provides insurance. That is very important for the Civil Service.

Mr. Powell

If the right hon. Gentleman will put down a Question about the Civil Service, I will do my best to answer it.