HC Deb 04 December 1956 vol 561 cc1036-7
29. Mr. J. Hynd

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will introduce legislation to allow a statutory rebate of motor insurance premiums during the period of petrol rationing.

Mr. Erroll

No, Sir. Rates of insurance premium are not a matter for the Government, and it would, in the view of my right hon. Friend, be wrong to introduce statutory control.

Mr. Hynd

If the Minister does not consider it desirable to introduce statutory measures, will he at least make an appeal—as this Government have so often done to other people—to the insurance companies, in view of the fact that motorists are to be allowed to run only 200 miles a month under rationing, and many are not being able to run their cars at all at the present time, but are still required to pay the full premium? Will the hon. Gentleman consider the making of an appeal?

Mr. Erroll

I do not think any useful purpose would be served by an appeal in this matter.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is my hon. Friend aware that motor insurance companies are already running a lot of motor insurance business at a loss?