§ 61. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Transport if and when it is proposed to introduce legislation compelling all owners of motor-cars or petrol-propelled vehicles to insure against risks caused by the drivers of the same to other persons or property?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)A scheme of compulsory insurance applicable to motor vehicles generally would involve great difficulties, but proposals with regard to insurance by the owners of motor omnibuses and chars-a-banc are contained in the Draft Road Traffic Bill which I caused to be published and circulated some time ago.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is still living in hopes that that Bill will become law in the present Parliament?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, hope still remains.
§ Colonel DAYHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to a case last week where a certain amount of money supposed to have been paid to a person who was injured was claimed by the liquidator because the insured person went into bankruptcy?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo; my attention has not been drawn to it, but if the, hon. and gallant Gentleman will send me particulars I will be glad to go into it.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIn view of the fact that an increasing number of people are suffering loss and damage caused by accidents, from motor cycles particularly, in cases where the motor driver has not been insured, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider the whole matter again to see whether some scheme of compulsory insurance could not be carried out? Most of these people are extremely poor and suffer very much.
§ Colonel ASHLEYI entirely agree with the principle of the thing, but to carry out a general scheme of insurance would involve very great difficulties. I do not believe it will be possible to come to an agreement with the insurance companies.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been brought up two or three times, that several schemes have been put forward which, to the ordinary person, are not impracticable, and will he not give it consideration?
§ Colonel ASHLEYBut a Government Department is not an ordinary person. The conclusion we have come to so far is that it is not possible.