HC Deb 12 June 1928 vol 218 cc797-8
25. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received notice of any recommendations made by coroners juries that the lighting of motor vehicles is frequently too brilliant, and that legislation should be passed to control it; and what action he has taken in the matter.

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

My attention has not been drawn to any recent recommendations by coroners' juries on the subject. The degree of "dazzle" unfortunately does not merely depend upon the power of the headlights, but also upon their construction, focussing and other factors. I am not aware of any headlight which provides an adequate driving light without some degree of dazzle. All technical developments are being closely watched by my Department, but, at the present juncture, I do not consider it desirable to make any Regulations under the powers recently conferred on me by the Road Transport Lighting Act, 1927, with a view to limiting the power of motor vehicle headlights.

Captain BRASS

May I ask if the Minister of Transport has power to prohibit the use of headlights in London?

Colonel ASHLEY

I have power to regulate them, but not to prohibit them.

Mr. DAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to regulate the use of big headlights in London when they are quite unnecessary.

Colonel ASHLEY

No, Sir. With our present experience, I should not like to venture upon the regulation of headlights.

Captain BRASS

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that headlights are at present prohibited in Paris?

Colonel ASHLEY

No, Sir.

Captain BRASS

Well, they are.