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Insurance Policies Lapsed

Volume 104: debated on Tuesday 19 March 1918

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45.

asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a Committee to inquire into the conduct of the various industrial insurance companies in connection with the lapsing of policies; and if he will make special inquries into the dealings of the Prudential Company?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The Courts (Emergency Powers) Act prevents the lapsing of industrial policies for small amounts, on which premiums had been paid for two years before the War, without an application to the Court, and my right hon. Friend does not at present see any necessity to appoint a Committee to inquire into the matter.

Will the hon. Gentleman represent to the Prime Minister the advisability of taking some steps to stop gambling in child life for private profit?

Does not the hon. Gentleman know that all these life insurance companies of this type do nothing else but gamble in the child life of the country?

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to inquire into the amount of the policies that have lapsed since the outbreak of war?