§ Mr. Woodburnasked the President of the Board of Trade whether remuneration is payable to insurance companies under the contract made with them to act as agents of the Government for the War Damage Act; and whether he will ensure that the Fair Wages Clause will govern the conditions of the workers employed by the companies?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe Fire Insurance Companies and Lloyd's have, in the national interest, agreed to undertake this task on a basis of remuneration so calculated as to cover the costs of administration without profit to themselves. The work will be performed along with and as part of the ordinary work of the companies and in these circumstances cannot be treated as a contract to which the arrangement suggested in the second part of the Question would apply. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing the Government's appreciation of the public spirit shown by the insurance organisations and their staffs in carrying out the onerous duties placed upon them in connection with both the War Risks Insurance Act and the War Damage Act.
§ Mr. Critchleyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of difficulties caused by recent air-raids on certain cities, he will consider extending the period for submitting applications for insurance under the War Damage Act, 1941, Part II, by one month?
§ Mr. LytteltonI have already extended from the 16th until the 31st May the period of grace for applications for insurance under the business scheme. The period of grace for the private chattels scheme does not expire until 31st May, 1407W and as the procedure to obtain this insurance is simple I see no ground at present for any extension.