11. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received representations from the Cyclists' Touring Club and the National Cyclists' Union protesting against the issue of posters by several Chief Constables calling upon pedal-cyclists to carry rear lamps or reflectors on their bicycles; and what reply, if any, he is making to these communications?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)I received representations from the Cyclists' Touring Club, but it did not appear that the matter called for any action on my part, and I so informed the club.
Mr. THOMSONIf there is no legal obligation at present to carry these rear 1688 lights, does the Home Secretary consider it suitable that these Chief Constables should send out these orders?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have no power to direct Chief Constables, other than the Metropolitan Police, either to send out or to abstain from sending out any documents
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these cyclists without red lights on the road are a very great danger to the public?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI entirely concur that they are a danger to the public and even a greater danger to themselves.
§ Mr. HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that there shall be some order compelling these people, as a protection to themselves and others, to carry these lights?
§ Sir GRATTAN DOYLEMay I call attention to the increasing number of these questions which are put down in regard to particular instances in hon. Members' constituencies, and may I call your attention also to the observations which you made some time ago in reference to this practice?
Mr. SPEAKERI cannot do more than repeat what I said the other day. These questions should be put as unstarred questions, but the matter lies in the hands of hon. Members, and not in mine
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it not a fact that this question does not deal with the constituency of the hon. Member who put it?