HC Deb 05 December 1951 vol 494 c2359
4. Mr. Gerald Williams

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation what agreements through international convention have been made for the provision of insurance against damage to persons and property on the ground from aircraft.

Mr. Maclay

Consideration of a Convention to replace the Rome Convention of 1933, which was not ratified by the United Kingdom, has reached an advanced stage. The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation is shortly to decide and announce the date of a meeting to complete the new convention and open it for signature.

Mr. Williams

Is the Minister not aware that it is rather absurd that motorists have to be, insured against third-party risk but at the moment people who fly do not, and as these arrangements have been going on years and years, is it not time something was concluded about them?

Mr. Maclay

I think it is clear that we should wait if possible, for the conclusion of the international convention rather than take unilateral action.