asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of the policy of insurance companies in relation to applicants for house mortgage loans; and if he will confirm that such companies do not discriminate against single women as opposed to other members of the community regarding the likely success of their applications.
Written Answers. - House Mortgage Loans.
412.
The matter referred to is one in which I do not have a direct responsibility. Those insurance companies which provide funds for private housing finance do so in accordance with their individual commercial judgments. The criteria applied in assessing applications vary from company to company and are subject to alteration from time to time in the light of changing market circumstances and financial requirements. Whilst the Government are concerned that a greater volume of house mortgage loans be made available it would nevertheless not be appropriate fo me to seek to interfere in the judgment of companies in individual cases.
I understand that those companies at present giving house loans do not decide on applications on grounds of sex or marital status alone and that all companies have given house loans to single women.