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: • Insurance − motor and health insurance and life assurance • Pensions • Annuities • Women 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 Com
