§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has had from insurance companies about the introduction of the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Amendment Regulations 2001; and if he will make a statement; [29916]
(2) what discussions he had with insurance companies before introducing the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Amendment Regulations 2001; and if he will make a statement. [29915]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 24 January 2002]: The Department advised the Association of British Insurers of planned increases under the provisions of the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999 in the tariff and cap on 7 December 2001. Officials have since corresponded with the association on these matters and I understand a further approach has been made to me seeking to delay implementation. However the increased charges will not have an immediate impact as they will only apply to road traffic accidents happening on or after 28 January 2002. As the average time to settle the relevant insurance claims is around 18 months, the full effect of the increases will not occur until summer 2003.