HC Deb 02 February 1955 vol 536 cc1085-6
51. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, as over 60,000 dogs are killed or injured on the roads every year and since many accidents result from dogs straying on the highway at night, what consideration has been given to the proposal that his regulations should provide that dogs should wear collars provided with after-dark reflector studs.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have no power to make such a regulation and anyway I am doubtful whether reflectors would help.

Mr. Dodds

But if the Minister is not enthusiastic about this proposal—

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

The dogs are.

Mr. Dodds

—and in view of the heavy loss of dogs from this cause, is the Minister trying to do anything about it, or is he satisfied with the situation, because many people are dissatisfied?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have no power to put cats' eyes on dogs' necks.

Mr. Nabarro

Can my right hon. Friend say, if this ingenious suggestion were adopted, whether he would be prepared to make a dispensation in the case of shaggy dogs?

Mr. Usborne

Or would the right hon. Gentleman put red lights on dogs' tails?