Sorry Apples but I agree with Spadge, they are just assesing the risk, I think you will find nearly all insurance companies do this (certainly the good ones), they are in the game to make money and rightly or wrongly this is info that they require, you have to tell them, they aren't judging you as a person just a risk.
You will find there will be good reasons for them asking (dont ask me cos I dont know), have a ring around and I think you will find it's the same most places.
And one more thing, please dont consider 'not telling them' about any possible convictions cos if they find out during a claim they can void your policy

Mat