§ Mr. HARRISONasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can now make a statement upon the question of insurance for those ranks in the Air Force whose duties necessitate their presence in flying machines?
§ Mr. ALBERYasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Government is taking any steps which will enable flying officers to insure their lives up to a reasonable amount on terms similar to those available to officers in other branches of His Majesty's fighting services; and if any of the big insurance companies have been approached in this matter?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs I stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford (Rear-Admiral Sueter) on 17th December last, I have been in communication with the Life Offices Association, of which 1069W all important companies are members, and I am pleased to say that the negotiations with the companies have now been brought to a conclusion. Terms have been obtained from nearly 20 companies which are considerably more favourable than those hitherto obtainable, more particularly for officers of the middle and senior ranks, on whom the burden of insurance falls most heavily. In the case of a squadron leader, for example, the extra annual premium quoted to cover flying risks has been reduced from guineas per cent. to 2 guineas per cent—a reduction by more than half—and this extra premium is limited to five years instead of being payable over the whole period for which cover is desired. A small additional charge is made in some cases to cover future war risks and service abroad. An alternative method, by which the extra premium is charged on each flight subject to a fixed maximum payable in any one year and in total, has also been offered by some of the companies. Particulars of the terms offered by the companies have been brought to the notice of all officers. The scheme as at present agreed applies only to officers, but the question of its extension to other ranks in the Air Force is being taken up with the Life Offices Association.