HC Deb 25 May 1927 vol 206 c1993
27. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Minister of Transport whether, for the purposes of facilitating the ever-growing motor traffic, his Department has made a study of the automatic signals which are in use upon cars in other countries?

Colonel ASHLEY

Automatic signals fur use upon motor vehicles are frequently submitted to me, and in every case the merits of the device are carefully considered by the technical officers of my Department. I am inclined to think, however, that where the vehicle is so constructed that he can conveniently give them, signals given by the hand and arm of the driver are as effective as any.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that ordinary hand-signalling is very difficult to see at night, even if every driver knows the correct signal?

Colonel ASHLEY

Very likely so, but my hon. Friend was of a different opinion last year, when he asked for a suspension before we put automatic signalling into force.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that we all learn something as we grow older; and may I draw his attention—[HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]—to the system which he will see in operation in the City of Berlin?