§ 80. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a motorist, who through inadvertence has forgotten to take out a driving licence, causes his motor insurance policy to lapse automatically; and whether, seeing that the object of compulsory insurance is to protect third parties, he will take steps to remedy this?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Parkinson)I am aware that most insurance policies covering the use on roads of motor vehicles contain a clause to the effect that the holder is only insured whilst licensed to drive a motor vehicle, and that, in consequence, when a driver has allowed his licence to expire and has forgotten to obtain a new one, he is not for the time being insured. My right hon. Friend is at present in communication with representatives of motor insurance interests with a view to ascertaining whether, and if so in what manner, this difficulty can be overcome.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a motorist to-day is liable to penalties up to£70 for becoming an uninsured person and is likely to have his licence taken away for 12 months; and, in view of the great hardships which are thus inflicted, for a mere oversight, would not he take this matter into consideration with a view to bringing in legislation?