§ 65. Mr. W. H. Greenasked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet circulated a draft order, as promised, making effective regulations which were proposed in 1931 for the provision of guard-rails between the front and rear wheels of motor-lorries; has his attention been called to a fatal accident to a child at Watergate Street, Deptford, caused by falling between the front and rear wheels of a motor-lorry due to the absence of such guards; and what action does he propose to take to make effective the regulation referred to?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir, and I have recently sought advice from the Transport Advisory Council on this matter.
§ Mr. GreenCan the Minister say whether the order has actually been made; and does he think that nine months is a sufficient time in which to make the order effective, particularly in view of the increasing number of lives that are being lost as the result of it being ineffective?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI am not aware of an increasing number of lives being lost. It was my desire to consult the interests who are most affected which was responsible for my referring the matter to the Transport Advisory Council.
§ Mr. GreenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he made this promise as long ago as last June as a result of a fatal accident in this borough?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have carried out my promise. I made draft regulations and I circulated them to the interests affected for their comments. I have now transferred the matter to the Transport Advisory Council in order that they may examine these comments and give advice.
§ Mr. GreenIs it not a fact that this order has not been made effective because the motor interests have objected on the ground of expense?