asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the percentage increases granted to insurance companies in respect of motor insurance in the past year; and the basis on which these increases were granted.

Motor insurers generally were allowed a 25 per cent increase in premium rates with effect from 1 March, 1977 although some companies were not able to implement the increase until a later date. Two companies were granted greater increases; one was granted a 41 per cent increase for motorcycle business and the other a 50 per cent increase for private cars. The increases were allowed because the income of the companies, including investment income, was not sufficient to meet financial requirements, including the maintenance of reserves and solvency margins.

18.