HC Deb 10 October 1939 vol 352 cc199-200W
Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Secretary of State for War what action he is taking in the case of men who have joined up and whose life insurance policies, covering the future of their wives and children in ordinary circumstances, contain a war clause?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hitchin (Sir A. Wilson) on Friday, 5th May, last, which was to the effect that, where life policies contain conditions restricting the benefit payable in the event of death caused by war, it will be for the insurance offices to consider in due course, and in the light of the circumstances, their action in relation to the enforcement of such restrictions. The exclusion of war risks in such cases applies equally whether the insured person has joined the armed forces or not. If, however, the insured person has joined the armed forces, his widow and or children will be eligible for pensions from the Ministry of Pensions if he becomes a war casualty.