§ Sir J. Lucasasked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider amending the law so that persons knocked down in the black-out or on the roads through no fault of their own shall receive compensation even if the driver of the vehicle is not insured, since the surplus from the Road Fund caused by the heavy extra taxation could well cover this?
§ Captain WallaceWhen war broke out legislation was being prepared to implement the report of the Committee on Compulsory Insurance. One of the recommendations of that committee was the establishment of a fund, by contributions from insurers, to meet the exceptional cases where the victim of a road accident could not recover compensation owing to a driver's non-compliance with the law as to third-party insurance. I regret that under existing conditions I am unable to say when it may be possible to proceed with this legislation, which presents considerable difficulties, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that it is a matter which will be borne in mind. As the proceeds of motor taxation no longer accrue to the Road Fund, there is no surplus in the fund which could be used in the manner suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.