§ 4. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects to complete consultation on the Law Commission's report on non-disclosure and breach of warranty, Cmnd 8064.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Trade (Mr. Reginald Eyre)The first written round of consultation is now virtually complete, and my Department is studying the submissions we have received. Officials will shortly be undertaking a round of meetings with those interested. It is not possible to say now how long that will take or whether it will complete the consultation.
§ Mr. JannerDoes the Minister agree that the present rules are a major snare and trap for any buyer of insurance, corporate as well as individual? Does he not feel a sense of urgency in dealing with this matter, as it was excluded from the Unfair Contract Terms Act? When is he proposing to take action?
§ Mr. EyreFollowing the Law Commission's report, my Department issued a consultative document in which it acknowledged the need for reform and gave its initial views on the major issues. The hon. and learned Gentleman knows that the matter is complicated by the existence of a draft directive. It is clearly undesirable to have two major changes in United Kingdom law on this subject in rapid succession.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisWill the Minister—as a change from previous practice with his Government—give an assurance that he will invite the insurance trade unions to consult him on this very important matter?
§ Mr. EyreMy Department welcomes consultation on all these matters with any interested parties. Naturally that would include the trade unions.