HC Deb 09 June 1971 vol 818 c1029
22. Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider proposing that the Road Traffic Acts be extended to require that compulsory insurance be for full third party liability.

Mr. Peyton

I have no such intention at present.

Mr. Fry

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that I am rather disappointed by his reply? Many innocent persons, often unable to obtain comprehensive cover themselves, have suffered considerable material loss because the people causing the loss are men of straw, and that something should be done to protect the innocent?

Mr. Peyton

There is a great deal of good sense in what my hon. Friend says, but at present I am not satisfied that we should be justified in taking the very considerable additional compulsory powers.

Mr. Bob Brown

Would not the Minister agree that, since the State demands that motor vehicles should be insured, the State should take a direct hand in the insurance by taking control of motor vehicle insurance once and for all?

Mr. Peyton

No, Sir. To me, that is a very bad idea indeed.