§ 41. Lieut. - Colonel ARCHER-SHEEasked the Home Secretary by whose authority the Safety-first Council has placarded London with orders to the public to keep to the left; and whether, in view of the confusion in the public mind, caused by the conflict of opinion on this point between various public bodice, he will advise the setting up of a Select Committee to inquire into the whole question of rules of the road, and as to whether it would be advisable to change the rule of the road for vehicles to keep to the right, as is the case in most civilised countries in the world, and which is also the rule at sea and in the air?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have no information on the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, I am not aware of any necessity for changing the present rule of the road for vehicles which is laid down by Statute, and I do not propose to take any steps in the matter.
§ Lieut. - Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIn view of the fact that there is no statutory rule of the road for pedestrians, and of the increasing volume of motor traffic in the country, would it not be well to have a Committee to inquire into the advisability of introducing legislation?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat is another matter which I will consider.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEDoes not it arise out of the first part of my question? In view of the fact that there are three contradictory rules issued by all sorts of people all over the country which are creating disorder, would it not be well to have a proper Statute on the subject?
§ Mr. SHORTTThere are no rules at all. What you see on the pavement is entirely a voluntary effort.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIs it hot illegal to write on the pavement? If it is not illegal, should I be in order in writing "L.G.M.G." on the pavement?