§ 24. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is now taking to ensure that motor vehicles entering this country from abroad are adequately insured, particularly against 166 third party risks, in view of the fact that the Automobile Association is no longer undertaking this work.
§ Mr. MurrayWe are arranging with the A.A. and the R.A.C. to resume checks at ports that such vehicles have third-party insurance valid for this country, and, if not, to offer temporary British insurance.
§ Mr. OsbornIs it not a fact that a number of vehicles come into the country without adequate third-party insurance cover? Is it not vital that checks be carried out, but without preventing the flow of traffic to and from the Continent?
§ Mr. MurrayThat is why we have asked the A.A. and the R.A.C. to resume the checks. As the hon. Gentleman knows, it is a statutory offence to drive a car on the road without at least third-party insurance.
§ Mr. Arthur LewisWhile the A.A. and the R.A.C. do excellent work, they are private clubs and the work costs them money. Does the Treasury or the Ministry make any contribution towards the payment of the enormous costs which are now borne by the contributions of the members of private clubs?
§ Mr. MurrayI am not certain about that. The A.A. and the R.A.C. were unwilling to continue these checks because of the expense, and the Ministry will be contributing towards meeting the cost of the checks.