Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Jones Excerpts

Tuesday 12th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Chris Grayling]

I very much agree with the points made by my right hon. Friend. I welcome the establishment of the new all-party group and would be happy to meet her and the right hon. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd (Mr Llwyd).

[Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con)]

5. What steps he has taken to reduce motor insurance fraud to help motorists with the costs of driving.

[Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con)]

8. What steps he has taken to reduce motor insurance fraud to help motorists with the costs of driving.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Shailesh Vara)]

On 23 October the Government announced a package of reforms to ensure the availability of good-quality medical evidence in whiplash cases. Our reforms will create a robust system that deters speculative and fraudulent claims. They will lead to reduced costs for insurers and lower premiums for honest motorists.

[Andrew Jones]

I thank the Minister for that reply. How will he ensure that the medical panels are independent and will help to stop bogus claims?

[Mr Vara]

I can assure my hon. Friend that our reforms will see experts commissioned jointly by both the claimant and the defendant and paid regardless of the outcome of the claim. The measures will help ensure independence, and the new examination and reporting scheme will result in fewer speculative and fraudulent claims.