§ 3. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the President of the Board of Trade how many representations he has received about increases in insurance premiums generally; and if, in view of the further increases in many car insurance premiums and the continued uncertainties in this field, he will now take steps to ensure that cars are insured at the same time and in the same office as they are taxed.
§ Mr. DarlingSince 1st April, 1967, the Board of Trade has received 360 complaints about increases in insurance premiums generally. I doubt whether it would be desirable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.
§ Mr. RobertsBut will not my hon. Friend accept that it is only by the simultaneous taxing and insuring of cars that one can give a 100 per cent. guarantee of cover for every road user, thus avoiding the months of suffering caused by haggling between insurance companies and reducing the number of staff, who are at present duplicated, one set being used for taxation and the other for insurance purposes?
§ Mr. DarlingThat suggestion might be considered; but I understand that the Ministry of Transport envisages difficulty in the sort of proposal which my hon. Friend has put forward, and it is really a matter for the Ministry of Transport.