Oral Answers to Questions — Transport. – in the House of Commons at on 8 March 1939.
Mr Fred Marshall
, Sheffield, Brightside
asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the increases which have taken place this year in motor-cycle insurance rates; and what facts or circumstances justify such increases, which in some cases amount to 50 per cent.?
Mr Edward Burgin
, Luton
There has been a gradual increase during the last few years in the rates of motor cycle insurance owing to unfavourable experience of these claims by insurers. I understand that the increases have not generally been of the order of 50 per cent.
Mr Fred Marshall
, Sheffield, Brightside
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some cases the increase has been as much as 50 per cent., and is he prepared to do something to protect this very deserving class of road-users from such exploitation?
Mr Edward Burgin
, Luton
I think the fact that the tariff companies' attitude is not unreasonable is best shown by the fact that the British Motor Cycle Association and the Motor Agents' Association have agreed to a scheme with Lloyd's underwriters including a similar increase in the rates.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
