§ 35. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consult with the motoring organisations and other interested bodies with a view to taking steps to improve the arrangements for motorists who suffer breakdowns on motorways, so that large sums of money do not have to be carried to pay for repairs when drivers are directed to garages at which cash payment is demanded before work is done.
§ Mr. PeytonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HardyThat reply cannot be seen as anything other than very disappointing. Is not the Minister fully aware that hundreds of motorists are being placed at considerable disadvantage because they are expected to carry large sums of money on the motorways in case they have a breakdown? Would he not consult the trade organisations and motorists' organisations to see whether some sort of guarantee system could be introduced to make things easier for people whose vehicles happen to break down on a motorway?
§ Mr. PeytonThis is a problem, but I think that with ordinary prudence motorists can do a great deal to help themselves against the possibility of breakdowns. As to the motoring organisations mentioned in the Question, it is of course for them to lay down the limits of their duty, which is primarily concerned with their members who pay subscriptions.