§ 96. Mr. LEWISasked the Minister of Transport if having regard to the fact that since the provisions of Part I of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, came into operation there has been little diminution in the number of fatal street acci- 820 dents and an increase in the number of cases of injury, despite some diminution in the number of mechanically-propelled vehicles, he proposes to introduce legislation to provide for the greater safety of persons using public thoroughfares?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI am not satisfied that the causes of any considerable proportion of accidents on roads are susceptible of removal by further legislation. Fresh light may, however, be thrown on the subject by the investigation into the causes of fatal accidents which is now being carried out by my Department with the help of the police.
§ Sir W. BRASSWill my hon. and gallant Friend consider making it compulsory for all drivers to know the code of the road before they are given licences to drive.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI have observed that this is a question which is most certainly being considered by His Majesty's Government.