§ 22. Sir BASIL PETOasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that the Circular issued by his Department in June, 1925, to local authorities on the subject of slippery road surfaces referred exclusively to accidents to mechanically-propelled vehicles and made no reference to the safety of horse or pedestrian traffic, and suggested steps to be taken only with a view to the improvement of the surface of roads for mechanically-propelled traffic, he will see that in the Circular about to be issued some attention is given to the fact that main roads generally are unsafe for and, in some parts of the country, unusable by persons riding or driving horses, or driving cattle, or walking on them?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe circular letter to which my lion. Friend refers stated that the first aim must be "to protect the travelling public from injury," and I think that the local authorities realise how many and varied are the modes of travel. The new Circular will draw special attention to the interests of owners of horses and others, besides those of mechanical transport.
§ Sir B. PETOMay I infer that it does not contravene the principle that all persons required to pay rates for the upkeep of the roads have an equal right to the user of the roads?
§ Colonel ASHLEYOn a general principle like that, it is rather difficult to give a definite answer, but, when my 939 hon. Friend sees the Circular, he will see that the equestrian and the user of horse-drawn traffic will be specially mentioned.