asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why tariff insurance companies in this country charge a much higher insurance premium on Ford Anglia cars than do companies in Britain or the Six Counties; and if it is a fact that British companies with offices in this country would cover such cars at the British rate were it not that pressure was brought to bear on them by Irish companies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ford Anglia Cars.
18.
I am informed that insurance companies operating in this country continue to rate private cars for insurance purposes on the basis of the diameter of the cylinders, while insurance companies in Britain rate cars on the cubic capacity of the engine. As a result the horsepower rating for some cars, such as the Anglia, is higher in Ireland than in Britain, but in other instances the rating for insurance is lower in Ireland than in Britain.
There is no information available to me which would indicate that the suggestion in the second part of the Deputy's question is correct.
Does the Minister not think it ridiculous that a company that will insure an Anglia car in England at a given figure will demand much more in this country for the same insurance?
Two considerations arise—First of all, the suggestion that the incidence of claims is higher in Ireland than in Britain and, secondly, the different basis for rate as I mentioned in my reply.