26. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the strong objection felt by the great majority of pedal-cyclists to any re-imposition of compulsory rear lights on ordinary pedal-bicycles, as in their opinion there has been no increase in the number of bicycle accidents which have taken place since the rear-light order lapsed; and can he give any statistics to the contrary effect?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)I have been asked to answer this question. The views of pedal - cyclist organisations have been fully laid before me. No definite statistics of accidents are available. Representations have, however, been received from Police Watch Committees, Coroners and others as to accidents alleged to have been occasioned by the omission on the part of pedal-cyclists to carry red rear lights.
Mr. THOMSONIn the absence of statistics, will my hon. Friend have regard to the opinion of those chiefly concerned, the pedal-cyclists, namely, that the presence of a rear light makes for scorching on the part of motorists?
§ Viscount CURZONIs it not true that the Northampton Coroner, in investigating 242 a fatal accident recently, stated that a lady's life would have been saved if she had carried a rear light?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that question may I ask—
§ Mr. SPEAKERQuestions of detail had better be put on the Paper.