§ 132. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the large number of Members of Parliament who have met with fatal accidents in recent years, whilst being engaged in activities connected with their Parliamentary duties; and whether he will consider instituting an investigation into the possibility of introducing an accident insurance policy on behalf of Members of Parliament, similar to that in operation for local government officers.
§ Mr. SimonWith regard to the first part of the Question, the answer is, No; with regard to the second part, the possibility of an accident insurance policy for Members was fully considered 18 months ago and I would refer the hon. Member to the arrangements announced by my predecessor on 1st August, 1957. It is neither practicable nor desirable to extend these arrangements.
§ 133. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that most employers insure their staff and manual workers against accidents incurred whilst working in their service, including accidents incurred whilst travelling on behalf of the industries and firms concerned, but that Members of Parliament, whilst carrying out their Parlia- 196W mentary duties, carry no similar insurance; and whether he will initiate an insurance scheme for Members similar to that in operation for civil servants.
§ Mr. SimonWith regard to the first part of the Question the answer is, Yes; with regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I have given to his previous Question.