HC Deb 20 May 1954 vol 527 cc2287-8
44. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Education if she will approach local education authorities with a request that they should include a study of the Highway Code in the school curriculum.

Miss Horsbrugh

I am satisfied that local education authorities take their responsibilities in regard to road safety instruction very seriously. As in other curriculum matters, the exact arrangements must be left to the discretion of authorities and teachers, but I feel sure that the schools already make appropriate use of the Highway Code.

Mr. Lewis

Yes, but is the Minister aware that there are some schools which do not educate and train children in the study of the Highway Code? Is she aware that there are a number of boys and girls aged 11 and 12, and teenagers, who ride pedal cycles on the roads and who give completely wrong signals, which is a danger both to themselves and to other traffic; and that, if she could advise education authorities to consider giving lectures and instruction, it would be helpful to the children?

Miss Horsbrugh

I assure the hon. Gentleman that local authorities are doing everything possible—

Mr. Lewis

Some are not.

Miss Horsbrugh

—and I am sure that they will notice the hon. Member's Question and the answer. I understand that special editions of the Code for infants and juniors, issued by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, are widely used in schools.

Mr. H. Nicholls

As the Highway Code is shortly to be issued in a revised form, could not the Minister recommend that local authorities give at least one session to instruction?

Miss Horsbrugh

It is not for the Minister to advise local education authorities, or the teachers who are in charge on the curriculum, but I am sure that the fact that this Question has been asked and answered in the House, will be noted.