§ Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will meet the chairman of the major insurance companies to discuss differential rates of6W insurance premia charged on individuals, depending on the level of car security undertaken by the motorist; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenMy right hon. Friend has no immediate plans to meet the chairmen of the major insurance companies. He and I did, however, meet representatives of the Association of British Insurers on 16 September to discuss what action the insurance industry was taking to help tackle car crime. This included the development by the association of a new motor insurance rating formula which, for the first time, takes into account security features fitted as standard equipment by vehicle manufacturers. My right hon. Friend attended the launch of this new formula on 16 October.
My right hon. Friend has urged the insurance industry to take further measures to encourage better vehicle security by offering discounts to motorists who fit effective after-sale security devices to their cars.