§ Mr. FlookTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent meetings the Construction Department in her Department has had with the insurance industry to discuss rising premiums for employers' liability insurance; and if she will make a statement. [100670]
§ Mr. WilsonDTI's Construction Sector Unit (CSU) is a member of the Association of British Insurers working group on Health and Safety. Officials attended the meeting of the group on 10 February to discuss rising insurance premiums, especially associated risk management issues, with representatives of the insurance industry. Representatives of construction industry bodies also participated in the meeting. CSU will continue to work with its insurance and industry contacts in connection with the construction-specific aspects of the insurance difficulties.
The Department for Work and Pensions is currently undertaking a review of Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI), which is due to be completed by Spring 2003. It would be inappropriate to make a statement while that review is still in progress.