§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his latest estimate of the proportion of homeowners that will be unable to purchase mortgage protection insurance policies. [32046]
§ Mr. Roger EvansWe have made no such estimate. The Association of British Insurers and the Abbey National building society both take the view that virtually anyone who is able to obtain a mortgage should also be able to obtain appropriate insurance. We have identified certain groups such as pensioners and those with pre-existent medical conditions whose ability to obtain full insurance is questionable and we have accordingly made special provisions for such groups in the new scheme.