§ 42. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of the fact that it is not clear whether the Highway Code should be interpreted as meaning that a person on horseback leading another horse should keep to the left of the highway whilst a person on foot leading a horse should keep to the right-hand side of the highway or that persons leading horses should use their discretion in this matter, having regard only to the provisions of paragraph 70 advising persons leading horses to place themselves between the traffic and the horse or horses they are leading, if he will take steps to clarify the position.
§ The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my previous answers to him on this subject.
§ Lieut-Colonel Bromley-DavenportIs my right hon. Friend aware that I have had it straight from the horse's mouth that no one really understands these Regulations? Is he further aware that the British Horse Society, which represents all the main horse-breeding organisations, cannot give its members clear guidance under these conditions, so would he or his Department consider receiving a deputation to discuss this matter?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWhilst I would be glad to receive any deputation led by my hon. and gallant Friend, I am bound to remind him—for, I think, the third time—that rule 70 of the Highway Code says clearly:
When leading an animal in the road, always place yourself between it and the traffic, and keep the animal to the edge of the road.The side of the road, therefore, on which my hon. and gallant Friend leads his horse depends on which side of his horse he likes to be.
§ Mr. E. JohnsonMay I ask my right hon. Friend what advice he would give to those who lead two horses, one on each side?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI should like a lot of notice of that Question.