§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on proposals under discussion in the European Council working group to abolish gender discrimination in insurance claims. [168897]
§ Ms HewittThe Government has welcomed the development of European sex discrimination legislation through an Equal Treatment Directive. The Government strongly supports most of this Directive, but is aware of concerns about some aspects, including the effects of prohibiting the use of sex-based factors in insurance pricing. The UK will continue to negotiate constructively to achieve a final agreement that reflects UK priorities and concerns.