HC Deb 26 March 1935 vol 299 cc1730-1
23. Mr. REMER

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the dangers and road accidents caused by the knock-for-knock system adopted by the insurance companies; and whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that in the case of every accident an inquiry shall be held to decide which is the guilty party, and that only the insurance record of the guilty party shall be debited with the damages incurred and the guilty party shall in such cases be made to pay for those damages out of his own pocket?

Mr. HOREBELISHA

As legislation would be required to give effect to my hon. Friend's suggestion, I should require to be convinced, before introducing it, that the knock-for-knock system did in fact diminish the incentive to be careful in the mind of the individual motorist.

Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLEN

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the abolition of the knock-for-knock system would mean a tremendous increase in insurance premium owing to the rise in accidents?

Mr. REMER

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that If he adopted the suggestion in the last part of the question it would mean a reduction in premiums, because it would bring down the number of accidents?

Mr. CAPORN

Has the hon. Gentleman considered the effect of demanding that the individual owner shall bear the first £5 of any damage to his own car in accidents?

Mr. THORNE

Will the Minister consider the advisability of starting an insurance department of his own?