HC Deb 14 October 1946 vol 427 cc597-8
43. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with arrangements for dealing with the headlight dazzle problem.

Mr. Barnes

Arrangements have recently been made for the technical aspects of this matter to be re-examined by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in consultation with the technical officers of my Department. The problems are such that it may be some time before results can be achieved.

Mr. Shepherd

Is it not a fact that these arrangements have been going on for a long time? The problem is urgent. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that something is done about it?

Mr. Barnes

I do not quite see how one can fasten upon the Minister the responsibility of solving the problem of dazzle lights. I can only promote all possible inquiries, hoping that at some time or another a solution will be evolved.

Mr. Norman Smith

Can the right hon. Gentleman do something to make available the electrical appliance—I believe it is called the solenoid—so as to make the dippers work? Is he aware that these things are unprocurable on the market, that they have been unprocurable ever since the war, and that the garage people are telling motorists that they simply cannot get them?

Mr. Barnes

I will certainly make a note of that point.

Lieut. - Commander Joynson - Hicks

Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite the planting of central paths in dual carriage ways to provide an anti-dazzle screen between the dual carriage ways?

Mr. Barnes

That is a development with which, I hope, we shall be able to proceed.