Motor Cars (Insurance Write-Offs) (Hansard, 6 April 1977)

§ 4. Sir A. Meyer
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what conclusions he 1196 has come to in the light of his preliminary investigations into the problem of insurance write-off cars being put back on to the road without test.

§ 7. Mr. McCrindle
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what conclusions he has come to in the light of his preliminary investigations into the problem of insurance write-off cars being put back on to the road without test.

§ Mr. Horam
We have examined the details of badly damaged and repaired vehicles that been supplied to us, but these do not enable us to measure the size of the problem. We are therefore arranging to discuss with the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association a research project that it has proposed.

§ Sir A. Meyer
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that reply will come as something of a disappointment, and shows a rather uncharacteristic unwillingness to deal very urgently with a problem that endangers a large number of lives?

§ Mr. Horam
On the contrary, we are looking at the matter as urgently as possible, but it takes a little time to undertake a proper sample survey, which we need, and to make up our minds on the basis of the results that are forthcoming. We must find out whether this is a serious matter or only a small one.

§ Mr. McCrindle
Is it not becoming increasingly clear that what is needed is a comprehensive vehicle testing system, as the only testing system that exists in this country at present is the MoT testing system? Has the hon. Gentleman given any consideration to building such a system upon the national network? Is he aware that if he were to do that he would find all the information that he needs forthcoming from the British insurance companies?

§ Mr. Horam
The British Insurance Association does not consider that the problems arising from written-off vehicles are serious, so there is some contradiction in what the hon. Gentleman said and the information that we have had from the BIA. At present, the BIA does not believe that this is a serious problem, so the hon. Gentleman should take that into account.