§ 3. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will report progress on the drafting of the European Community directive on motor insurance; and when he expects to lay the directive before Parliament.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Mrs. Lynda Chalker)I am pleased to say that the directive was adopted on 30 December 1983. My officials are in touch with insurers with a view to producing workable proposals for its implementation, on which I intend to consult representative bodies.
§ Mr. ChapmanMy hon. Friend has been most helpful in the matter. She will know that, as the law stands, innocent parties to a motor accident can suffer unfairly. As it will be some time, I understand, before the directive, if it is agreed, can be implemented in member countries, will my hon. Friend keep an open mind and try to implement the provisions of the directive earlier in this country, if necessary?
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his welcome to the directive. As he and other hon. Members may know, member states are required to amend their legislation by 31 December 1987 and to bring the changes into effect by 31 December 1988. However, I hope that it will be possible to introduce the amendments as soon as we are ready to do so after thorough consultation in this country.