§ 38. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the coroner's remarks at an inquest held at Enfield on Patrick Eaton Robinson and James Collins, who were killed by a motor lorry while cycling on the Cambridge arterial road, at which inquest it was stated that the lamps on the lorry were too high to shine on the rear reflectors of the cycles, and the coroner stated he had drawn the attention of the Home Office to this defect in the law; and will he consider introducing amending legislation to have this defect remedied?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the latter part of the question, the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, 1928, lay down for reflectors such optical requirements as to reflection and dispersion of light as to permit of considerable latitude in the position of the lamps on an overtaking vehicle.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESHas the right hon. and gallant Gentleman regard to the fact that art enormous number of the general public think that they are absolutely absolved from carrying any reflector at all on their bicycles?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, I have not heard any statement to that effect.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESIf the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inquires from the ordinary police force, he will find that is the case.
§ Mr. DAYIs there any prospect of the Road Transport Bill, which was circulated some time ago being introduced in the present Parliament?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI should think it is rather doubtful.