HL Deb 03 August 1971 vol 323 cc1002-3

2.48 p.m.

LORD AMULREE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the attention of the Ministry of Trade and Industry has been drawn to the activities of Blue Seal Plans (U.K.) Ltd. in promoting insurance against cancer.]

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD DRUMALBYN)

Yes, my Lords. Blue Seal Plans (U.K.) Limited are a firm of insurance brokers who made arrangements with Consumers Life Insurance Company Limited to market a policy issued by the latter which provided certain fixed benefits to the insured in respect of confinement to hospital by reason of cancer. There was considerable criticism of the selling methods employed in marketing these policies, and the Secretary of State will bear this aspect in mind in the review currently being made of the Department's powers over insurance companies. I understand that sales of these policies have now been discontinued.

LORD AMULREE

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply, which I think will allay a good deal of anxiety. But I should like to ask him whether it is not possible for some kind of consideration to be given to the type of person who is made a director of these companies under the terms of, I think it is. Section 54 of the 1967 Companies Act.

LORD RUMALBYN

Yes, my Lords. My right honourable friend always has this under review.

LORD BURNTWOOD

My Lords, the noble Lord mentioned the general review of insurance policy attitudes by the Government. Can he say whether a reduction in premiums is being considered for those who do not smoke; and, if not, why not?

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, that question is very wide indeed of the Question on the Order Paper. If the noble Lord would like to put it down, I will consider it but I should say that under the Insurance Companies Acts 1958 and 1967 the Department of Trade and Industry do not have powers enabling them to control policy conditions or premium rates.

VISCOUNT MONCK

My Lords, would my noble friend agree, particularly so that we should avoid showing favouritism to Lord Aberdare, that we be permitted to wish him many happy returns of the day?

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, I am most grateful.