Supplementary memorandum submitted by
the Co-operative Insurance Society Limited, following the evidence
session of 7 February
Following the Science and Technology Select
Committee's inquiry into Genetics and Insurance, and your offer
to witnesses to forward further information, I would like to take
this opportunity to reiterate a few points and clarify any ambiguity
which may have arisen, following the evidence session last Wednesday.
As detailed in our evidence to the Committee,
the Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) does not require the
disclosure of genetic test results for life assurance policies
and will only require, if obtained, the use of approval GAIC test
results for critical illness cover. Since the GAIC is yet to approve
any tests for critical illness policies, CIS is in effect applying
a full moratorium on the use of genetic tests results for all
insurance products at present.
Evidence given to the select committee hearing
on 7 February illustrated that, despite the minimum standards
offered by the ABI code, there are clear differences of approach
being adopted within the industry, and that this is in itself
causing certain amounts of confusion externally. Despite this,
all parties agreed that legislation is not necessarily the most
effective means to remedy this situation.
As an insurer with strong co-operative ideas
underpinning our business practices, CIS would like to see the
following:
— revision of existing practices so
that the entire insurance industry commits to using only approved
GAIC tests for insurance purposes instead of the existing system
which has caused, despite its well-meaning intent, some confusion
and variation in practice;
— open dialogue between all relevant
stakeholders as suggested during the oral evidence session. In
this light, CIS welcomes and is contributing to the Human Genetics
Commission's Consultation "Who's Hands on your Genes?"
and supports the need for ongoing input from all interested parties
in order to empower stakeholders and find workable solutions for
what is an emotive issue; and
— an agreed solution to the potential
problems of "genetic underclass". CIS would encourage
and participate in any industry working party created to ensure
that no section of society is denied basic life assurance, purely
on the basis of a positive genetic test result.
I believe that the above points indicate that
CIS is not only aware of current public concerns surroundings
genetics and insurance, but is actively leading the way in "best
practice" to ensure that the fear is allayed and stakeholders
remain informed and empowered.
Thank you for asking CIS to give evidence to
the Committee; it was a significant honour to provide evidence
for what remains a highly emotive issue. If we can be of any assistance
to the Committee in the future please do not hesitate to contact
us.
13 February 2001
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