§ 35. Mr. McKEAGasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the recent action at Newcastle Assizes, when judgment for £400 and costs was given to the widow of Police Constable Potts against Police Inspector White, who was driving a police car on duty when it-was involved in an accident and Police Constable Potts received fatal injuries; whether he is aware that the judgment was given against the inspector personally, as the police car was not insured 1741 against such risks; and whether, in view of the hardship arising in such cases, he will take steps to ensure that police cars are covered by comprehensive insurance?
Captain CROOKSHANKThe police authority have been in communication with the Home Office about this case. Application has been made on behalf of Inspector White for the town council to pay the damages awarded to Mrs. Potts, but there has not yet been time for the application to come before the watch committee. Under Section 35 (4) of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, a vehicle owned by a police authority is exempt from the provisions of the Act as to compulsory insurance, and it is not the practice to insure police vehicles. The absence of an insurance policy does not affect the legal liability for damages in a case of this kind, and the question whether the damages should be paid from the police fund is one within the discretion of the local authority.