asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that there is no uniformity of practice with regard to the insurance or non-insurance of goods, premises, etc., owned by Government Departments; and if he will ensure that a uniform practice shall in future prevail.

The general rule is against insurance of Government property. Any departure from this rule, for special reasons, requires the authority of the Treasury, who act in consultation with the Board of Trade in important cases.