§ 22. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at the testing station at Hendon during January, it was found that attention to brakes, steering, tyres, or headlights, was needed in respect of 97 per cent. of cars registered before 1945, 85 per cent. of cars registered between 1945 and 1953, and 66 per cent. of cars registered since 1953; and if, in view of the implications of these figures, he will now plan for an early increase in the number of testing stations.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI agree with my hon. Friend that these figures show the real need on safety grounds for this testing service, but I have no plans for opening further testing stations in advance of any general scheme of vehicle testing which may be instituted if Parliament gives its assent to the proposals on this subject which I have tabled for inclusion in the Road Traffic Bill.
§ Sir F. MedlicottDoes not it appear that these figures are most disturbing and that they prove the need for the compulsory testing of all road vehicles?
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesCan the Minister tell us what has happened to the Road Traffic Bill? It is now at least twelve weeks since the Bill was reported to the House, and these matters are waiting attention. In view of the increasing number of road accidents, is not it important that we should speed up the passage of the Bill?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI quite agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, Central (Sir F. Medlicott) that anybody who has studied the Hendon figures must draw the conclusion that we ought to have some kind of testing service. On the point put by the hon. Member for Enfield, East (Mr. Ernest Davies), I hope that we shall see the passing of the Bill before long.