HC Deb 15 March 1927 vol 203 cc1837-8
44. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has decided to make motor insurance against third-party risks compulsory?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

This question has been under my consideration in connection with the Bill for the better regulation of road traffic. The draft Bill which I hope will be circulated during the course of this week provides for a certain measure of compulsory insurance in the case of public service vehicles on the part of persons or companies who are not in a position to carry their own risks. The extension of this provision to all motor vehicles presents considerable difficulties. I am at present inclined to the view that it would be desirable to gain practical experience of the working of compulsory insurance in connection with public service vehicles before attempting to extend its application to all motor vehicles.

Mr. B. SMITH

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that compulsory insurance for taxicabs and single-owned omnibuses has been enforced by the Home Office for a considerable period; and in the light of that experience, is he prepared to extend it to all owners of motor cars?

Colonel ASHLEY

If the hon. Member had appreciated my answer, he would have gathered that I propose in the draft Bill that compulsory insurance should be imposed on public service vehicles, and that as regards private vehicles we should see how it works.

Sir F. HALL

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will consider the position in which some people are placed in the event of a collision with another car, the owner of which is not insured. Considerable damage is sometimes done, and it is not covered by insurance. Will he not realise the importance of insisting upon private cars being insured?

Captain CROOKSHANK

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will remember that it is not so much a question of the vehicle being insured as the driver of a vehicle taking out an insurance. There is a distinction.

Colonel ASHLEY

It shows that it would be much better to wait and see the proposals of the Bill, and discuss it afterwards.

Mr. BAKER

Is not the risk with the commercial and privately-owned car rather than with the public service vehicles; and, if third-party insurance is to be insisted upon, ought it not to be insisted upon in the cases where the risk lies?

Mr. SPEAKER

This is developing into a debate on a Bill which has not vet been printed.