§ 12. Mr. Croninasked the Minister of Transport when he proposes to take action to make insurance cover for motor-cycle pillion passengers compulsory, having regard to the Kent Committee's recommendation to take this step.
§ Mr. MarshI am aware of my hon. Friend's concern in this matter, and I hope to introduce the necessary legislation as soon as there is a suitable opportunity. When the time comes, my proposals will include provision for motorcyclists who never carry passengers to avoid the need to take out such insurance cover.
§ Mr. CroninI welcome my right hon. Friend's reply, but is he aware that since I introduced a Private Member's Bill for this purpose in 1961 about 25,000 pillion passengers have been killed or injured without any compensation being paid in the vast majority of cases? Will he do his utmost to expedite legislation?
§ Mr. MarshWithout knowing the exact figures, I agree that this is a very genuine social problem and that a number of people are crippled, frequently for life, but receive either no compensation at all or almost ludicrous weekly payments. I will do my best to bring legislation before the House.
Mr. Gresham CookeWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to bring the legislation forward this Session? It would be fairly non-controversial and should not have much opposition in the House. It is very much needed.
§ Mr. MarshThe hon. Gentleman's view about the amount of controversy surrounding the subject does not accord with my recollection of the Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin). But we will do our best to bring legislation forward as soon as possible.