§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Transport how the failure of vehicles owned by (a) the National Bus Company and (b) municipal transport undertakings compare with other operators in the annual public service vehicle test.
§ Mrs. ChalkerStatistics are based on five types of operator; details, which cover England, Scotland and Wales ar as follows for the last complete year 1984–84:
§ Mr. Michael SpicerNo. Air transport operators are absolutely liable for damage or injury caused to persons or property on the ground caused by objects falling from aircraft. I do not consider that legislation is necessary. Incidents are relatively infrequent and in the few cases where the aircraft cannot be traced financial compensation can be obtained under normal household and personal accident insurance policies. I see no justification for creating a scheme to investigate, assess and pay out claims when suitable resources and expertise are already available on the commercial market.