asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the fact that motor-cars which were previously rated as 16 h.p. and which were recently reduced to a rating of 12 h.p. are still being charged for insurance purposes as if they were rated at 16 h.p.; and, if so, whether he will make inquiries with a view to having the cars rated for insurance purposes at 12 h.p.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor-car Insurance Rates.
I am informed that the insurance companies have not altered the premium rates for motor-cars consequent on the revision of ratings for the purposes of road tax. Where the revised rating has resulted in a lower horse power, the insurance premium rate has not been reduced, and, where it has entailed a higher horse power, the premium rate has not been increased. I do not consider that the matter calls for my intervention.
Is it not correct to say that, in the vast majority of cases, there has been a reduction—not anincrease? Is the Minister prepared to say that he is accepting the decision of the insurance companies as against his colleague, the Minister for Local Government?
No. Arrangements have been made for the regulation of these insurance premiums in a general way and a reduction has recently been effected. As regards the alteration of the rates between one class of car and another, I do not think that there is any obligation on me to intervene.