asked the Minister for Trade what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on compulsory third party insurance for all aircraft.

Although there is no statutory requirement for third party insurance for aircraft this has not given rise to serious problems. The aircraft of United Kingdom airlines are required to carry such insurance as a condition of their air transport licences and I am informed that most other aircraft are insured voluntarily against third party risks. I am prepared to consider whether new legislation should be introduced but the issues are complicated and I should wish interested parties to be consulted before any legislation was drawn up. No early provision is therefore contemplated.