36. Sir F. HALLasked the Home Secretary if the Order with regard to the carrying of red rear lights was revoked on the advice of the police authorities; if the Order had to be re-enacted owing to the difficult, traffic conditions at the time of the strike on the railways; and if it is now proposed to retain the Order in force permanently?
§ Major BAIRDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative. Since the Order was revoked, the Home Office has received many representations from police authorities urging that the requirements of the Order should be re-imposed. The Order cannot be retained permanently in its present form, but the question of legislation is under consideration by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport.
Sir F. HALLDoes my hon. and gallant Friend recognise the danger that there is, for instance, to cyclists passing along the roads at night, and will he see that an Order is made and that it is carried out?
§ Major BAIRDI will convey that view to my right hon. Friend. The difficulty about making the present Order permanent is that it was made under war conditions. The dangers, however, are present to the Government, and the matter is being taken up by my right hon Friend.
Sir F. HALLConsidering that there is an Order in operation at the present time, even although it is of a temporary charac- 867 ter, will my hon. and gallant Friend give instructions and see that it is properly carried out?
§ Major BAIRDI think in the circumstances all is being done that can be done pending a decision.