§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has obtained concerning the practice of insurance companies of reducing liability for persons injured in road accidents who were not wearing seat belts: and if he will summarise current practice in this respect.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe practice of insurers is governed by their obligation to indemnify their policy holders against any liability for damages for personal injuries. In some cases the courts have reduced the amount of damages that would otherwise have been payable because the injured person had not been wearing a seat belt. Insurers take account of such decisions when negotiating settlements. The injured person has, of course, the option of taking proceedings against the negligent driver. The driver's insurer would then be bound to pay whatever damages the court might award.