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National Disasters and Aircraft Accidents

Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 21 Ebrill 1970.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Gwilym Roberts Mr Gwilym Roberts , Bedfordshire South 12:00, 21 Ebrill 1970

asked the Chancellor of the exchequer if he will introduce legislation to make natural disasters and aircraft accidents a public responsibility covered by Government insurance of both property damage and personal injury.

Photo of Mr William Rodgers Mr William Rodgers , Stockton-on-Tees

No, Sir. Mr. Roberts: Would my hon. Friend not accept that a large number of Luton industrial workers and ratepayers have laid stress on the need to provide some kind of foolproof guarantee to the man-in-the-street against aircraft accidents? Will he accept, in view of the minimal cost to the Exchequer of aircraft accidents and the low level of their incidence, that it would be far better if these needs were anticipated than to create an ad hoc fund when they happen?

Mr. Rodgers:

I entirely appreciate my hon. Friend's concern for the electors of Luton, but I think the present arrangements for insurance, certainly absolute and unlimited liability in the case of aircraft operators, are adequate.

Chancellor of the Exchequer

The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.

The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.

The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.