asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received an application from a group of insurance companies for permission to increase motor insurance premiums, and, if so, if he will state (a) his decision thereon, (b) the date on which the application was received, and (c) the date on which his decision was communicated to the companies.
Questions— Oral Answers. - Motor Insurance Premiums.
Mr. Lemass
The question of an increase in the premium rates for private motor car insurance was first raised by the Accident Offices Association in July, 1955, when the association were informed that any application for such an increase would be the subject of a public inquiry by the Prices Advisory Body. The formal application for consideration at the public inquiry was made by the association in November, 1955, and copies were circulated to other interested parties in December, 1955. In order to afford the other interests an opportunity of studying the document and of furnishing their own statements on the application, the advisory body fixed 10th February, 1956, as the date of the public sitting. It was necessary to examine certain matters raised at the public sitting but the submission to me of the recommendation of the advisory body has been delayed by the refusal of the Accident Offices Association to supply certain information which the advisory body considered important and which was readily available to the association. The matter is still receiving consideration by the Prices Advisory Body.