§ 27. Mr. Bartle Bullasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Tansport if, in order to help our export trade and in view of the fact that there is now little civilian traffic, he will consider, although it is right for historical reasons to drive on the left of the road, arranging now that after the war we will drive on the right of the road in Great Britain.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir, I will consider my hon. Friend's proposal that we should alter the rule of the road, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. I must, however, remind him that whatever might be the advantages, either to the export trade or in other (ways, of a generally accepted international rule, the change from left to right would in this country be a difficult and costly process. When the opportunity for international action arises, we shall have to balance these difficulties against the advantages we should obtain.
§ Mr. BullDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary think that this would be a good time to make such a change, as there is very little civilian traffic here; and whatever the international complications, does he not agree that the rest of the world would certainly not change to suit us?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThere are many countries, including India and China and other potential markets, which drive on the left.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIf we are thinking of the advantage to the export trade, we must get a generally-accepted international rule. The difficulties are mainly the reconstruction of buses, the transposition of traffic signals, and the rearrangement of the road arteries for traffic.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonWhy should we do what the Germans do, and not what the Britons do?
§ Mr. SilvermanWhat exactly are the advantages which would result from changing from the left to the right?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIt is believed by many people that it would help the export trade in motors. I pronounce no opinion: I am going to consult the President of the Board of Trade about that. It would also have great advantages as regards road safety, which it would take me too long to explain now.