asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of cases referred to the special committee dealing with undesirable risk insurance; and the number of cases where reduced premiums were quoted after examination by the committee.

Since the responsibility for the declined cases agreement on motor insurance was transferred from the Department of Local Government to the Department of Industry and Commerce in September, 1976, 19 cases have been referred to the committee established by the agreement. Nine of these cases have so far been resolved satisfactorily in that insurance was obtained for the applicants; the remaining cases are being examined. At the time of the transfer 21 cases were being examined by the committee, ten of which have since been resolved.

Five of the total of 40 cases mentioned above involved submissions that the premium charged was so high as to be tantamount to a refusal to cover. In one of these cases the committee obliged the insurer to reduce the premium; the insurer's view in the other cases was accepted by the Committee.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary give the composition of this Committee?

Broadly speaking, representatives of the companies and of the Departments of State. I have not got the names of the people involved. If the Deputy wishes to put down a further question I will give him the information he requests.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary state if there is any rating on insurance for car owners who live near the Border?

The question of rating is a more general one. This question refers to declined cases. I am not aware that such a rating exists but it is not a matter of which I have had notice.

Question No. 14 is for written reply.