§ 28. Mr. Lipsonasked the Parliamentary' Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport, what steps he has taken to impress upon motorists the need to drive more slowly in order to economise in petrol and rubber and to reduce the number of road accidents?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIn co-operation with the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Supply, the Ministry of Fuel and Power and the Service Departments, my Ministry have endeavoured, by widespread publicity, to induce private motorists, service drivers and drivers of heavy passenger and goods vehicles to avoid driving at high speeds. The assistance of the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has also been obtained. The purpose of this campaign is to bring home to all operators and drivers of road vehicles the fact 705 that driving at high speed is not only dangerous, but also exceedingly wasteful of fuel and rubber. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for this opportunity of explaining once again that the fuel and rubber situation is very serious, and that to drive at high speed, except on urgent Government or Service business, is most unpatriotic.
§ Mr. LipsonAre the measures which the hon. Gentleman has outlined being actively pursued?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir. They are being intensified month by month.
§ Sir Francis FremantleWill the hon. Gentleman take special note of the motor-cyclists belonging to Service Departments who travel at 50 m.p.h. and over?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerService drivers have very strict instructions from their own commanders.