§ Mr. Heddleasked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the 704W law governing third party insurance on Continental lorries generally; whether he has had, or proposes to have, discussions with his EEC counterparts with a view to harmonising regulations to ensure that British citizens who may suffer loss of life or damage caused by negligent driving by Continental drivers will be adequately compensated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[pursuant to his answer, 14 January 1980]: Continental lorries are subject to British law when operating in this country and are therefore required to be insured against liability for personal injury I have no reason to suppose that Continental lorries are not so insured but in any event payment of due compensation is guaranteed under an agreement with the Motor Insurers' Bureau. The result is that a claimant for compensation for death or personal injury is in no worse position under the law whatever the nationality of the lorry or its driver.
My right hon. Friend is currently looking into the question of recovery of compensation for property damage, liability for which is not compulsorily insurable at the moment whether the lorry is British or Continental. I shall write to my hon. Friend when this review is complete.