§ 22. Sir Arthur Michael Samuelasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will, for the better protection of the public, strengthen the operation of the Assurance Companies (Winding Up) Act of 1935 by requiring companies, firms, societies, or persons transacting compulsory third-party motor car insurance to maintain a specified minimum ratio of reserves to cover estimated liability for current risks and unpaid claims and furnish an annual valuation of assets made by an independent valuer?
§ Dr. BurginThe whole question of compulsory insurance business is at present being considered by the Departmental Committee appointed by my right hon. Friend last year under the 743 chairmanship of Sir Felix Cassel. I cannot anticipate the Committee's conclusions.
Mr. AlexanderWill the Parliamentary Secretary ask the Committee to look into the question for the use of insurance funds for speculative investments?
§ Dr. BurginThe position of this inquiry, which is a very wide one, is that the evidence has been completed and the Committee are considering their report, but no doubt the question asked by the right hon. Gentleman will not be lost sight of.
§ Sir A. M. SamuelWhat protection have the public against concerns which do not conform with the conditions set out in my question, if such regulations are not complied with in the meantime?
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWill the evidence given at the inquiry be made available to Members of the House?
§ Dr. BurginThat is another matter, which must be considered later.