21. Sir HENRY COWANasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the increasing number of fatal accidents due to pillion riding on motor cycles; and whether he proposes to take action by legislation or otherwise to prohibit this dangerous practice?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)I have been asked to answer this question. I have no evidence that the number of such accidents is increasing, and I do not think there is sufficient ground to justify legislative action.
Sir H. COWANDoes the hon. Gentleman read the newspapers, and is he not aware that it is impossible to read the newspapers without seeing reports of at least two or three cases such as this every week, and in most cases the victim is a woman or a girl who is carried on the pillion? Does this matter not come within the hon. Gentleman's duty?