andMr. Nolan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that motor car insurance for physically disabled drivers is unfairly loaded; and if he will take steps to ensure that it is made available to them at normal rates.

I have no evidence that there is unfair loading by insurance companies of insurance for disabled drivers. Insurers examine each motor insurance proposal on its merits. Frequently in cases involving disabled drivers the insurer will insist on a medical examination to evaluate the degree of disability and care is taken to establish that the vehicle concerned has been adapted to the needs of the prospective insured. In general there is no standard scale of loadings for disabled drivers, although most of them are loaded to some degree depending on the extent of the disability and the suitability of the vehicle.

I have had this whole question brought to the attention of the motor insurers on several occasions and have been assured by them that they are generally sympathetic to disabled drivers and anxious to accommodate them. I would be glad to have any individual case in this area reviewed.