HC Deb 23 June 1952 vol 502 c1836
39. Mr. Baldock

asked the Minister of Transport when he anticipates sufficient supplies of reflectors and white mudguards becoming available for bicycles, to restore regulations requiring their use.

Mr. Braithwaite

I regret that I cannot forecast when it will be possible to impose these requirements which would, I understand, involve at least 12 months' notice to the industry and the diversion of labour and materials from the industry's task of achieving maximum exports.

Mr. Baldock

With a view to reducing road accidents at night, will the Minister see whether comparatively small supplies—of plastic and glass, mainly, neither of which, I think, are in short supply—could be made available for this purpose?

Mr. Braithwaite

There are normally 6 million cyclists on the roads, rising to 10 million in the summer months, so it is a tall order.

Mr. Renton

Can my hon. Friend say what is to prevent cyclists from dabbing a little white paint on their rear mudguards? Is he aware that by that very small effort a very great increase in road safety could be achieved?

Mr. Braithwaite

I am very glad to say that large numbers of cyclists do that.