GOVERNMENT RESPONSE ON INSURANCE COSTS

Early day motion 1309, tabled 3 June 2003 by Lord Cotter (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 27 members.

That this House notes that the findings of the report published on 3rd June by the Department of Work and Pensions and the Office of Fair Trading into liability insurance; considers that the Department of Work and Pensions report lacks firm recommendations and necessary urgency; notes that a number of useful points are contained in the Office of Fair Trading report, but regrets that the Government has not come forward with firm action in relation to insurance premium tax on employers' liability compulsory insurance fixed notice periods where premiums are to be raised or cover is to be withdrawn, the introduction of measures to limit the scope of employers' liability compulsory cover and the establishment of a stronger link between risk and cost; further notes with concern the Government's plans to increase the insurance burden on business by using employers' liability compulsory insurance to recover the National Health Service costs for work place injuries; draws the Government's attention to the findings of the report carried out by Davis Langdon Consultancy on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry, which revealed that premiums within the construction industry have already risen by as much as 500 per cent.; and calls upon the Government to take immediate action and not delay matters to a further report in the Autumn.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 22, Labour 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.