§ 108. Mr. Barnesasked the Minister of Transport what estimates she has of the number of cars written-off as a total loss by insurance companies which subsequently find their way back on to the road; and if she will take steps to prevent such cars being cannibalised and then offered for resale without an indication being given of the fact that they have been involved in a serious accident.
§ Mr. SwinglerI am unable to give an estimate and have no evidence at present that the number of such vehicles is substantial.
The insurance companies have agreed in principle to send to the taxation offices the registration book of any seriously damaged vehicle sold as scrap for which they have settled a claim on the basis of total loss so that the book may be over-stamped to that effect. The many practical difficulties involved are still the subject of discussion.