HC Deb 14 March 1933 vol 275 cc1775-6
31. Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONES

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a considerable number of the policies of insurance purporting to be issued in accordance with the provisions of Part II of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, do not afford a full cover to the owner of the motor vehicle in respect of which the policy is issued; and whether he will take such steps as he may deem desirable for inquiring into the administration of this part of the Act?

Mr. STANLEY

I am aware that there are insurance policies which do not undertake to cover the policy holder in the event of his using 'his vehicle in a manner or for a purpose excluded by the terms of the policy. It would be impracticable to make all motorists take out policies which afforded them unconditional and universal cover, and it is a matter for the insured person to satisfy himself that the use to which he proposes to put his vehicle is covered by the terms of his policy.

Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that cases are constantly occurring in which persons who have been injured on the road find when they endeavour to recover from the driver and owner of the car which has caused the injury that his policy does not cover the case; and will some inquiry be made into the terms of these policies with a view to making them cover, if possible, all the risks on the road which the Road Traffic Act intended should be covered?

Mr. STANLEY

As I have told the hon. Member, I do not think that it would be practicable to cover all risks, but there are one or two aspects of the matter which I am considering now.