HC Deb 05 March 1941 vol 369 c892
6. Mrs. Tate

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that road users can claim no compensation for in juries to themselves, their bicycles or their motor-cars if injured by Government-owned vehicles; and whether, in view of the enormous number of road accidents caused by such vehicles, they will in future be compelled to insure against third-party risks?

The Minister of Transport

I presume that the first part of the Question refers to the exemption of the Crown from liability for the torts of its agents. When a person is injured or killed by the wrongful act of an officer of the Crown in the course of his official duty, he or his dependants have a right of action in the courts against that officer, and it is the invariable practice of the Crown in such cases to pay any damages and costs awarded by the court. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

Mrs. Tate

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that it is very cumbersome for normal lay persons to have to approach the courts before they can get compensation, and in view of the fact that Army lorries are responsible for no fewer than 300 accidents a day, is it not time that something was done to protect the public?

Sir Irving Albery

Is it not a fact that many Services do pay compensation when an accident is reasonably proved against them, without going to court?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I think that is true. There is no actual reason why one should always go to court in every case, although the courts exist for this sort of claim.

Mr. Sorensen

Is it a fact that payments made are equivalent to those made in ordinary civil cases?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

Yes, Sir.