Is fire insurance a proper subject for taxation?

Abstract

OF the questions which the good feeling now subsisting between England and France has given rise to, perhaps the most remarkable is the competition in Fire Insurance between French and English Companies. A French Company has started in London, and has offered to insure at 2s. per cent, the same risks as an English company would charge 4s 6d. per cent. for. Whence the difference of price ? The English have capital and skill in the business, and great competition amongst the Insurance Companies to reduce the price to the lowest amount. It is found, however, that the difference of price arises from the amount of the tax imposed by the English government.