§ 6. Lieut.-Commander Baldockasked the Minister of Transport when regulations requiring bicycles to be fitted with red reflectors and white mudguards are to be restored.
§ Mr. BarnesI am unable to forecast when it will be practicable to make the order bringing this requirement into force. At present, manufacturers are not in a position to meet the demand which it would create without detriment to their export and other essential commitments.
§ Lieut.-Commander BaldockDoes the Minister not agree that the restoration of this simple and relatively inexpensive device would greatly add to the safety of bicyclists at night, as their rear lights are frequently missing or otherwise ineffective?
§ Mr. BarnesYes, I am inclined to agree with that. The hon. and gallant Gentleman should look at the further note to my reply.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftSince the question of red reflectors and white rear mudguards is about the only aspect of transport policy for which the right hon. Gentleman accepts responsibility, will he leave no stone unturned and no avenue unexplored in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion of the matter?
§ Mr. BarnesThat appears to me to be typical of the usual ineffective interventions of the hon. Gentleman.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsIs not one of the troubles the right hon. Gentleman is suffering from that he has just lost his chief "red reflector"?
§ 7. Lieut.-Commander Baldockasked the Minister of Transport when regulations are to be introduced requiring motor vehicles subject to speed limit to be fitted with rear reflectors.
§ Mr. BarnesA requirement that motor vehicles should carry one or more reflectors in addition to a rear light could be imposed only by new legislation, and I cannot say at present if or when such legislation will be introduced.
§ Lieut.-Commander BaldockDid the Minister not inform the House some years ago that a committee was examining this question? Have they come to any conclusion yet?
§ Mr. BarnesNo more than I have just stated.