asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many motor insurance companies deposited their annual accounts for 1972–73 with his Department on the date of publication; and how many took up part or all of the statutory limit of six months from that date in which to do so.

No returns from motor insurance companies are overdue. The statute requires insurers to deposit their accounts within six months of the close of the period to which they relate. Those obligations are unrelated to the date of publication of accounts, which can take place in a variety of ways. No significance can be attached to the extent to which insurers take advantage of the period of grace to which they are entitled.