30. Mr. WARD LAW-MILNEasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the number of accidents which have occurred recently in connection with motoring, and particularly in connection with motor-cycles and side-cars; and whether he will now consider the desirability of instituting some form of test as to physical fitness and competency on the part of those applying for driving licences?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI would refer my hon. Friend to the answers, of which I am sending him copies, given by me on the 24th June and the 6th July to my hon. Friends the Members for Lancaster and the Hartlepools.
§ 31 and 32. Mr. DUCKWORTHasked the Minister of Transport (1) the numbers of accidents to motor cyclists, both fatal and otherwise, in each of the last 12 weeks, and what percentage these accidents form of the entire number of accidents caused by motor traffic;
(2) whether his attention has been drawn to the number of accidents incurred by motor-cyclists carrying an 1032 excessive number of people, both when riding solo and with a side-car attached; whether he is aware that many motorcyclists carry two people on the pillion and that the numbers on pillion and sidecar often range between five and six; and whether, even if single pillion riding is not affected, he will consider prohibiting motor-cyclists from carrying more than a fixed number of people?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI regret that I am not in possession of the figures which the hon. Member asks for regarding accidents to motor cyclists, and I am very doubtful whether it would be possible to obtain them. The desirability of controlling the practice of carrying more than one passenger on the pillion of a solo motor bicycle will be taken into consideration in connection with the Road Vehicles Bill which I hope to have the opportunity of presenting to this House in due course.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONHow much longer is the right hon. Gentleman going to promise this Bill? He has promised it now for two Sessions.
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe hon. Member will realise that there is such a Bill before Parliament now, namely, the Electricity Bill, and you cannot expect one Department to deal with two first-class Bills at the same time.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWith regard to pillion riding, will the right hon. Gentleman consider reducing the licences of side-cars, as has been advocated in the Debates on successive Budgets?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo doubt if the hon. and gallant Member moves such an Amendment in next year's Budget it will receive careful consideration.
§ Mr. MORRISONIs there any prospect of the Bill referred to being introduced during the Autumn Session?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENAre not Members of the public who use motor-cars pretty well able to look after their own safety?