HC Deb 07 May 1936 vol 311 cc1878-9
62. Sir W. BRASS

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has come to any decision with regard to the compulsory fitting of microphone horns at the rear of lorries and long-distance motor omnibuses, as is the universal practice in France, in order that the drivers of these vehicles may hear the warnings of private car drivers wishing to overtake them, and in that way make the act of passing safer than it is at the present time?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

My officers keep in touch with the French authorities, but on the information at present before me I am not prepared to put operators of goods vehicles and omnibuses in this country to the suggested additional expense. It should be borne in mind that the object of the driving mirror (which is required by regulation to be fitted on all motor vehicles except motor cycles) is to give visual instead of audible indication of vehicles approaching from behind.

Sir W. BRASS

Is the Minister aware that drivers of motor lorries do not keep their eyes on the driving mirror, but on the road in front of them?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

If I have any evidence that the present arrangements are not satisfactory, I shall be happy to reconsider the matter.

63. Sir W. BRASS

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a recent fatal accident when a motor car ran into the rear of a stationary lorry at night; and whether, in view of this danger, he will consider adopting the French lighting practice whereby the width of these heavy vehicles is plainly visible at night by the fitting of small lights encased in red glass containers projecting from each side of the lorry at a considerable height from the ground showing a red light both forwards and backwards?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The French regulations do not require vehicles parked on the highway to carry lights as described in the question, provided they carry on the offside a single lamp showing white to the front and red to the rear. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that I referred the whole question of the lighting regulations to the Transport Advisory Council in order that they might make suggestions on the most modern lines for their revision and the new regulations will be available to-morrow.

Sir W. BRASS

Is the Minister aware that, if he makes inquiries in France at the present time he will find that what he has just stated is entirely wrong?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am sorry to differ from my hon. and gallant Friend. I can only say that this is the information which I have received to-day.

Sir W. BRASS

Is the Minister aware that only last Easter I was in France and saw vehicles fitted with these lights?