HC Deb 22 February 1933 vol 274 cc1727-8
28. Commander MARSDEN

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the death from misadventure of Mr. Charles Edwards at Bagshot on the evening of 11th January last; and whether he proposes to take action on the jury's recommendation that the carrying of rear lights by cyclists should be made compulsory?

Mr. PYBUS

My attention had not been drawn to this accident. I have no power to require that rear lights should be carried on pedal cycles. Parliament decided in 1927, in the Road Transport Lighting Act of that year, that in the case of pedal cycles and tricycles an efficient red reflector might be carried in place of a red rear lamp. Legislation would be required to give effect to the hon. Member's proposal.

Commander MARSDEN

If such legislation will result in reducing the number of deaths on the roads will the Minister take steps to introduce such legislation?

Mr. PYBUS

If as a result of the investigations we are making into fatal accidents it is established that the use of the rear lamp would reduce the number of deaths on the roads, we should at once take steps to put that into operation.

Captain DOWER

Will the investigations which my hon. Friend is making show whether or not the rear light does have that effect?

Mr. PYBUS

The very detailed investigations that we are making into accidents upon the road as the result of a new system being put into force will, I think, establish that point.