1398 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 927

6. (Power to Secure Information. )

(a) At least once in five years, or whenever lie determines
it to be expedient, the Commissioner shall, or by his deputy
or duly authorized examiner, make or cause to be made an
examination of each rating organization licensed in this State.
The reasonable cost of such examination shall be paid by the
rating organization examined upon presentation to it of a
detailed account of such cost. The officers, managers, agents
and employees of such rating organization may be examined
under oath and shall exhibit all books, records, accounts and
documents or agreements governing its method of operation.
The Commissioner may waive such examination upon proof that
such rating organization has, within a reasonably recent period,
been examined by the insurance supervisory official of another
state, pursuant to the laws of such state, and upon the filing
with the Commission of a copy of the report of such examina-
tion.

(b) The Commissioner is hereby authorized and empowered
to appoint and employ such technical and clerical assistance
as may be required and necessary to enable him properly to
administer the provisions of this Act, the compensation of
such assistants to be fixed and provided by the budget.

7. (Statistical Reports. ) Every insurer shall file with the
Insurance Commissioner or with the rating organization of
which it is a member, or, with such other agency as the In-
surance Commissioner may approve, such statistical informa-
tion as may be called for by the rating organization or by the
Insurance Commissioner on risks in this State on all kinds of
insurance to which this Act is applicable.

8. (Reduction or Increase of Rates. ) Rates shall be reason-
able, adequate and not unfairly discriminatory. The Commis-
sioner of Insurance is hereby empowered to investigate the
necessity for a reduction or increase in rates. If upon such
investigation it appears that the rates charged are producing
a profit in excess of what is fair and reasonable he shall order
such reduction in rates as will produce a fair and reasonable
profit only.

If upon such investigation it appears that the rates charged
are inadequate and are not producing a profit which is fair
and reasonable, he shall order such increase of rates as will
produce a fair and reasonable profit.

In determining the necessity for an adjustment of rates,
the Commissioner shall give consideration to all reasonable and
related factors, both within and without the State, including
the conflagration and catastrophe hazard, if any, the past and
prospective loss experience, the loss trend at the time the in-