Norwich Union Interview

The retirement of Sir Robert Bignold from the post of President of the Norwich Union.

In the opening sequence, Sir Robert Bignold, outgoing President of the Norwich Union, is interviewed by Newman Sanders. He is asked why he is retiring and replies that 50 years in business is long enough. He is proud that he will remain a Life Governor of the Societies, although he will miss meeting his friends on the board. Newman Sanders mentions the Lord Mancroft Affair and speaks of Sir Robert's departure in terms of a resignation. Sir Robert denies that his departure is in any way linked to the scandal and denies that there is any question of his having resigned. He repeats comments made to the media on earlier occasions that in his opinion the Mancroft Affair is over. He is asked about his other interests and achievements and replies that he regards being chosen as Lord Mayor of Norwich as the highest compliment. Travel is also important to him, He has visited 65 out of 70 countries in which the Norwich Union operates. He regards the most memorable occurrences during his travels as having been in first Havana and then the Republic of Haiti around the time of the revolutions. In his retirement Sir Robert intends to devote himself to bookbinding and philately and "enjoy spending time with my little wife!" In the studio, the incoming President, Desmond Longe, is interviewed by Dick Joice. Joice reviews Mr. Longe's biographical details before asking him about the future of the Norwich Union. Mr. Longe reaffirms the company's commitment to Norwich. He is adamant that the Mancroft Affair won't affect future policy. Asked about his hobbies he replies that they are usual for a man of my age. He lists them as tennis, shooting, riding and travel.

Keywords

Norwich Union; Scandal; Jews; Arabs

Background Information

Sir Robert Bignold was chosen as Lord Mayor of Norwich in 1926, aged 34. He was the youngest Lord Mayor in the country. He was Knighted in 1938. He was a Director of Anglia Television. The Mancroft Affair. On November 30th, 1963, Lord Mancroft resigned from the London Advisory Board of the Norwich Union. Lord Mancroft, had close links with Sir Isaac Wolfson and his company Great Universal Stores. It was felt in some circles that this conflicted with Norwich Union interests in the Arab world, especially in Egypt. It was suggested that Arab business interests, especially from President Nasser, had brought pressure on the Norwich Union. This was always denied. The Norwich Union in return was accused of anti-Semitism. On December 10th, the Norwich union invited Lord Mancroft to resume his place on the London board but he declined. On December 13th, two other directors, Sir Charles Mott-Radclyffe and Sir Hughe Kantchbull-Hugesson, resigned in support of Lord Mancroft. On December 15th, the Norwich Union was forced to issue a statement denying a huge loss of business due to the Mancroft affair. On January 1st, 1964 the company duly announced record premiums of £3,700,000. The question of Lord Mancroft's resignation was raised in the highest diplomatic circles. The Shadow Foreign Secretary, Mr. Patrick Gordon Walker, raised the issue with President Nasser and other Arab leaders on a visit to the Middle East during early January.When he resigned on January 23rd, 1964, Sir Robert was quoted thus; The burden of recent events has confirmed in the minds of myself and my fellow directors the wisdom of handing over the reins of this great office to my young and vigorous successor.