IMMEDIATE
1 APRIL 2004
COULD WOMEN AND MEN PAY EQUAL PRICES FOR THEIR CAR INSURANCE AND PENSIONS? LORDS INQUIRY ASKS
A new House of Lords inquiry will examine EU proposals prohibiting the use of gender criteria in determining prices for products like car insurance, pensions and annuities.
The European Commission has issued proposals for a Council Directive implementing the principle of equal treatment between women and men in accessing goods and services.
The Chairman of the inquiry, Lord Williamson of Horton, said:
"This is likely to have big implications for setting some insurance premiums, pensions and annuities, where gender is regarded as a relevant factor."
The Committee invite written evidence from individuals and organisations about the Directive's possible effects on:
The Committee would also welcome evidence from independent financial advisers and consumers' organisations.
The deadline for submitting evidence is
Thursday 29 April 2004.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
The Council Directive is Commission Document 14812/03 SOC 469 MI 283 SURE 24, 14 November 2003.
The Members of EU Sub-Committee on Social Policy and Consumer Affairs who will conduct this inquiry are:
Baroness Brigstocke
Lord Colwyn
Lord Dundee
Baroness Greengross
Baroness Howarth of Breckland
Lord Harrison
Lord Howie of Troon
Baroness Massey of Darwen
Lord Williamson of Horton (Chairman)
For information about submitting evidence contact:
Gordon Baker, Clerk to the Committee on 020 7219 6635 or e-mail:
bakergm@parliament.uk
[ENDS]