§ Mr. HammondTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the competition implications of544W discrimination against applicants for household insurance on the basis of postcodes as a proxy for flood risk. [93000]
§ Mr. MorleyPostcode rating is, I understand, the method used by insurers for all household insurance policies and not just for flood risk. Whether this method has a detrimental effect on competition is a matter for the Director General for Fair Trading, who can then consider any appropriate action.
§ Mr. HammondTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the Association of British Insurers about problems experienced by householders in the KT postcode areas in obtaining flood insurance since 3 January. [93001]
§ Mr. MorleyThere has been no discussion since 3 January specifically about insurance in KT postcode areas. The Association of British Insurers and the Environment Agency are in regular discussion over provision of better flood risk information for England, taking into account flood defences, to enable insurers to understand the risk for particular areas. A meeting took place this week to consider the initial data provided in December 2002 and how best this can meet insurers' requirements in order that they can continue provision of insurance in line with their Statement of Principles.