Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will introduce legislation to make it compulsory for all owners and drivers of speedboats to carry third-party insurance.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisMy right hon. Friend has no plans for such legislation at present. While third party insurance is clearly desirable and is frequently taken out, the administrative effort in making it compulsory would be disproportionate to the improvement in safety which would 561W result. Emphasis is at present being placed on education and publicity to improve boating safety and to this end a Seaway Code—which contains a recommendation that third party insurance should be carried—was published in March 1974.