I just wanted to assure Mr Abbott that there is a serious purpose behind my Parliamentary Bill requiring drivers to display an insurance disc.

He is absolutely right to point out that a valid insurance document is needed to renew road tax. However, it is also true that a tax disc will be issued to drivers even if their insurance policy expires within days.

Furthermore, there is nothing to stop insurance policies being cancelled once they have been used to buy a year-long tax disc.

For these reasons, there are cars on our roads that are taxed but not insured. The purpose of the insurance disc is to apply the same public pressure to uninsured driving as road tax evasion.

If it helps cut the numbers without insurance, everyone will benefit as law-abiding drivers pay a surcharge to cover the costs of those who don't play by the rules.

Other solutions should also be considered, such as increasing fines for offenders.

In addition, I believe pressure should be put on the insurance industry to bring down the astronomical costs of insurance, particularly for young drivers.

But I am convinced that the insurance disc has a part to play in a package of measures to tackle what is a serious and growing problem.

Andy Burnham

MP for Leigh