HC Deb 21 January 1998 vol 304 cc525-6W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which registered United Kingdom insurance and reinsurance companies have ceased underwriting since January 1992; and which are paying less than 100 per cent. of claims. [23985]

Mrs. Liddell

Information on the status of UK authorised insurance companies as at 31 December 1996 is given in the Insurance Annual Report 1996 published by The Stationery Office, copies of which are in the Library. Appendix 3A indicates whether a company's authorisation to effect contracts of insurance has been withdrawn under section 11 of the Insurance Companies Act 1982, and if a company is in liquidation, provisional liquidation, or scheme or arrangements under section 425 of the Companies Act 1985. Companies in the last three categories will generally not be meeting claims in full. Other companies which remain authorised may in practice have ceased underwriting, but it is not possible to give a definitive list as the circumstances of each company differ.