§ 89. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Minister of Transport if his Department has yet had an opportunity of testing the efficacy of the white disc on the rear wheel of bicycles from the safety-first point of view?
§ Colonel ASHLEYCertain tests, which have recently been carried out by officers of my Department in co-operation with officers of the Royal Automobile Club, tend to show that while a white disc 299 attached to the rear of a bicycle is of some assistance in enabling overtaking traffic to locate the bicycle in the dark, it is not so effective from this point of view as an efficient red reflector. The efficiency of the white disc varies considerably according to the nature of the background, and there is the inherent difficulty of ensuring that the white patches or discs are always kept clean and in good condition.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWhat is the right hon. Gentleman going to do about it? Is he going to make the red disc compulsory?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI think my hon. Friend must await legislation.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONWill the right hon. Gentleman say what is the opinion of the Ministry of Transport as to the effect of a red disc on the left hand buttonhole of a coat?
Sir F. HALLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in bringing in his new Bill, he will take into consideration the necessity for insisting upon cyclists carrying a rear light?
§ Colonel ASHLEYOf course I have given much consideration to that matter, and when I bring in my Bill my hon. Friend will see what are the provisions.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the red button stands for danger?
Mr. BECKETTWill the Minister of Transport consider at the same time the advisability of stopping the use of too powerful searchlights, because these two things could be dealt with together.
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat does not arise.