HC Deb 22 February 1999 vol 326 c43W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the insurance companies who offer after-the-event legal expenses insurance(a) in conjunction with conditional fee agreements and (b) on a stand-alone basis; and if he will make a statement. [71973]

Mr. Hoon

Insurance products to underpin conditional fees have been available since July 1995. I am aware of at least eight providers of after the event insurance to underpin conditional fees. I doubt that a comprehensive list exists or can be put together given the expanding nature of this market.

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the research projects which his Department has(a) undertaken and (b) plans to undertake, into after-the-event legal expenses insurance; and if he will make a statement. [71972]

Mr. Hoon

My officials are currently discussing proposals for the research and monitoring of the operation on conditional fee agreements, with representatives from the professions, insurance providers and consumer groups. After the event insurance may form a component of that research.