§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT those insurance companies which are engaged in the hospitalisation and benefits in the event of illness business.
§ Sir G. HoweThe information requested is not readily available since insurance against the risks of hospitalisation and illness is not a separately defined class of insurance business. A few insurers advertise nationally insurance against hospitalisation, and a number of provident associations and hospital contributory schemes with limited authorisations under the Insurance Companies Acts engage in this business. Many insurers provide other forms of insurance against illness.
§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the actuarial basis upon which the growth of companies engaged in the hospitalisation and benefits whilst sick or bedridden business is based; and if he will carry out an inquiry into this field of activity.
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§ Sir G. HoweHospitalisation and other ill health insurance carried on by insurance companies is supervised by the Department of Trade and Industry under the Insurance Companies Acts as ordinary long-term insurance or as personal accident insurance, according to the nature of the contract. In the former case an actuarial assessment is made by the Government Actuary's Department. I do not consider that this business calls for any special treatment.