HC Deb 14 February 1934 vol 285 c1915
20. Mr. JOHN RUTHERFORD

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to make the dipping of headlights at night compulsory?

Mr. STANLEY

Ordinarily a driver should dip or dim his head-lights when approaching another vehicle at night, but in an emergency such a course may sometimes cause rather than prevent danger. For this, among other reasons, I have up to the present decided against any Regulation which would make the dipping or dimming of head-lights compulsory.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Is the Minister aware that many accidents are caused by the failure to dim headlights; and in view of that fact, will he not reconsider his decision?

Mr. STANLEY

I have already informed my hon. Friend that I do not consider that, in all cases, greater danger is caused by not dimming headlights. In some cases I think that the dipping or dimming of headlights may he a greater danger.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Is the Minister not aware that there is no danger of accident if headlights are dipped, provided that the left-hand headlight is kept on while the other is switched off?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.