HC Deb 09 March 1916 vol 80 cc1744-5W
Mr. GOLDSTONE

asked the Home Secretary whether any amendment of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914, has been proposed to the Government which would have the effect of permitting the lapsing of industrial life assurance policies; and, if so, whether, before action is taken, information will be obtained from insurance companies and similar societies showing the number of industrial policies lapsed upon which premiums have been paid, the number of such lapsed policies for which cash surrender value or free policies have been granted, the number of the assured who have had their policies lapsed or surrendered who have been persuaded to reassure themselves at present ages, the face value of the lapsed or surrendered industrial policies, the total amount of premiums received in respect of such lapsed or surrendered policies, the amount of cash surrender value and also of the free policy value granted in respect of those of them entitled thereto, and the number of such lapsed or surrendered policies whose date of issue was two full years prior to 4th August, 1914?

Sir GEORGE CAVE

It does not appear that any such proposal as is mentioned in the question has been made to the Government. If it should be made, the considerations mentioned in the question will no doubt be borne in mind.