§ 69. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Transport how many accidents were recorded in 1948 in which cyclists were involved; in how many of these were the cyclists children; whether he is aware of the voluntary cycling tests which have been instituted by the chief constable of Newport; and, in view of the large number of accidents and the steady increase in the number of cyclists on the road, if he will recommend all local authorities to adopt similar measures.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Callaghan)Eight hundred and twenty-seven pedal cyclists, including 148 children, were killed, and 37,035, including 7,514 children, injured in 1948 as a result of road accidents. The arrangements for the instruction and testing of child cyclists in Newport (Mon.) are in line with a scheme introduced, with my right hon. Friend's approval, by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. The scheme has been brought to the notice of local authorities and about 100 have adopted it.