asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that insurance companies place a fifty per cent. loading on car insurance premiums taken out by commercial travellers, and that the Irish Commercial Travellers' Federation regard this action as completely unjustified; and if he will constitute a Prices Advisory Committee to inquire into and report on the increased charge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commercial Travellers' Car Insurance Premiums.
39.
I am aware that commercial travellers are charged rates for motor insurance that are 50% higher than the rates which apply to ordinary private motor car insurance. Representations have been made to my Department on this matter in the past by representatives of the Irish Commercial Travellers' Federation. The classification of risks is a matter of detailed insurance operation in which I do not think it proper that I should intervene. Classifications, I am advised, are based, inter alia on claims experience. In any event, the question of constituting a Prices Advisory Committee under the Prices Act 1958 would not arise as charges for services rendered in connection with insurance are specifically excluded from the scope of the Act.