§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will take steps to prevent insurance companies within the European Single Market from allowing unjustifiable delays to elapse when settling insurance claims made by United Kingdom nationals in relation to road traffic accidents which occur in continental Europe.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Simon of Highbury)In its recent Communication,Financial Services: Enhancing Consumer Confidence, the European Commission has indicated its intention to bring forward, by autumn 1997, proposals for a fourth directive on motor liability insurance. This directive would address the problems faced by the persons making a claim for compensation for injury or loss which they have suffered through being involved in a road accident while visiting another EU member state. In the course of drawing up its proposals for this directive, the Commission has been holding discussions with member states' representatives. The Government are participating in these informal discussions, but will wish to consider their position further when the Commission presents a formal proposal to the Council of Ministers.