§ 8. Commander Viscount CURZONasked the Minister of Transport whether he will issue a regulation prohibiting the use of headlights on motor vehicles in the streets of towns where adequate street lighting exists; and, if so, whether a list showing the towns so specified can be published for the information of the users of motor vehicles, and reasonable warning given before proceedings are instituted for infringement of any such orders?
§ Sir ERIC GEDDESUnder existing legislation, the Minister of Transport has no power to make any regulation such as that suggested in the first part of the question. The Departmental Committee on Lights on Road Vehicles is considering, inter alia, what new powers are necessary to regulate by Order the use of headlights on road vehicles. The nature of such regulations will be dependent on certain experiments and research work, now being carried out by officers in my Department, the result of which it is not possible at present to anticipate.
§ Viscount CURZONIs it not a fact that this Committee on Lights has shown that it is nearly impossible to regulate headlights? Meanwhile, must we wait for further consideration by that Committee before something can be done regarding the use of headlights in London?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe whole question of lights is being considered as to whether legislation should be introduced. I object to it being done piecemeal.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre we to understand that, if legislation be introduced, we shall have an opportunity of discussing the Report?
§ Sir E. GEDDESCertainly, if legislation be introduced the House will have the opportunity.
§ Colonel YATECan a regulation be introduced prohibiting the use of headlights in well-lighted towns before this legislation comes on?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI would like notice of that question.