What assessment it has made of any impact of increased costs of public, environmental and employers' liability insurance premiums on small-…

The Scottish Executive has received a number of case studies, illustrating the possible impact of increased business insurance premiums, particularly Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance, and, in some instances, difficulty in securing cover has been identified. It is important to clarify that this type of information is not routinely collected. Not withstanding that fact, the Scottish Executive will continue to encourage individual companies, business organisations and trade associations to share their evidence and concerns on this important matter, to help to build up an accurate representation of the position developing across the UK.Responsibility for the statutory requirements affecting Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance rests with the Department of Work and Pensions and I have written to the Minister of State for Work, who is taking the lead on this matter, to express my concerns. The Executive is already directly involved in discussions about options for change and inter-departmental consultation is now well under way. The Scottish Executive will continue to work with the Scotland Office to represent Scottish business interests.