§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any proposals to speed up settlement of applications to the Motor Insurers' Bureau for compensation for injuries caused by untraced drivers, particularly where the amounts are comparatively small.
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§ Mr. HoramYes. The bureau has very hopefully proposed a new procedure, applicable to settlements not exceeding £3,000 in the first instance and to cases where the applicant is adequately advised, under which applications could be settled without the need for the full formalities provided for by the present agreement between the bureau and my right hon. Friend. Under this new procedure, which would not apply where an identified driver is also involved or where the case presents unusual features, an applicant who agreed a settlement would waive his right to appeal to an arbitrator. I am satisfied that these arrangements will help to secure earlier settlement of a significant number of applications. A supplemental agreement embodying them has been drawn up and will be published as soon as possible.