§ 60. Mr. MacDermotasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his discussions with the French Government concerning reciprocal rights for foreign visitors who are injured in motor accidents by the negligence of uninsured drivers have yet reached a successful conclusion; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe necessary preliminary study is in progress, but formal negotiations have not yet taken place. We hope they will open shortly.
§ 61. Mr. MacDermotasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in which European countries protection is given to British visitors injured by uninsured drivers comparable to that given by the Motor Insurers' Bureau to foreign visitors injured in Great Britain; and whether he will make representations to those countries who do not afford similar protection.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreNo exact comparisons are possible. Even in countries where generally comparable protection is given, there may still be wide variation in detail.
However, according to my information, there are at present seven European countries, namely, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, the Federal Republic of Germany, Norway and Sweden, where a roughly equivalent degree of protection is afforded. There is reason to believe that there may fairly soon be additions to this number.
As regards the second part of the Question, the hon. Member is aware that the possibility of concluding an agreement to secure reciprocal treatment in France is already under examination. I am considering whether there may be any other European countries to whom representations could usefully be made.
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