The purposes of this subtitle are: to promote the public welfare by regulating insurance rates so that they are not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory; and to authorize and regulate cooperative action among insurers in rate making and in other matters within the scope of this subtitle. This subtitle is not intended: to prohibit or discourage reasonable competition; or to prohibit or, except to the extent necessary to accomplish the purposes stated in subsection (a) of this section, to encourage uniformity in insurance rates, rating systems, rating plans, or rating practices. This subtitle shall be interpreted liberally to carry out the provisions of this section.