Written question asked by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 November 2000. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 November 2000 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many complaints he has received in the last five years about UNUM Ltd in relation to the operation of its permanent health insurance policies; and if he will make a statement; if he will draw the attention of the Financial Services Authority to complaints he has received about UNUM Ltd in relation to the operation of its permanent health insurance policies; if he will make a statement on his inquiries into UNUM Ltd in relation to the operation of its permanent health insurance policies in the case of Mr E Sales.

Answer: Mr. Hilary Benn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many complaints he has received in the last five years about UNUM Ltd. in relation to the operation of its permanent health insurance policies; and if he will make a statement; [139258] (2) if he will draw the attention of the Financial Services Authority to complaints he has received about UNUM Ltd. in relation to the operation of its permanent health insurance policies; [139259] (3) if he will make a statement on his inquiries into UNUM Ltd. in relation to the operation of its permanent health insurance policies in the case of Mr. E Sales. [139403] Miss Melanie Johnson: The Treasury has received a small number of complaints about companies which provide permanent health insurance products since becoming responsible for the insurance industry in 1998, and no specific inquiries have been launched in respect of the case of Mr. Sales. However, I understand that Mr. Sales's complaint has been considered by the Insurance Ombudsman. Arbitration for group insurance policies will in future fall within the remit of the Financial Ombudsman service which will be extended to provide access for those who cannot be considered under the present arrangements.

Secondary information