HC Deb 25 November 1926 vol 200 cc536-7
54. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to consider snaking it obligatory on every person using a motor vehicle or motor cycle on the public highway to insure against third-party risks; and whether he will consider the expediency of the Government issuing a policy with, and running concurrently with, the licence for the motor vehicle or motor cycle?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave on the 15th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield, of which I am ending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that there is a large amount of money, several millions a year, that could be added to the revenue if the Government would take up this scheme, without any appreciable cost to the, Government?

Colonel ASHLEY

It is not a matter for the Government.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in cities like Glasgow a large number of accidents are taking place due to omnibuses and the persons who are insured have no claim against the owner in many cases because he is not insured and has no goods?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am fully aware of the circumstances outlined by the hon. Member and it is these very circumstances we are taking into consideration in considering the details of the Bill I hope to bring in next year.

Mr. PAACQUISTEN

Is it not a fact that the proprietors of London omnibuses have to take out a third-party policy against accidents which covers everything that may happen. Is it not rather hard that if you are killed by a motor omnibus in Glasgow or elsewhere outside London, you get nothing, but if you have the good fortune to be killed by a London omnibus you get damages?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am as fully aware of these facts as my hon. and learned Friend, and I am considering all the relevant facts in deciding upon the details of the Bill.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Why wait until next year?

Mr. BUCHANAN

I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter, if possible, on the Adjournment with regard to omnibus accidents.