§ 41. Mr. Channonasked the Minister of Transport if he will make available free copies of the Highway Code to all drivers of motor vehicles.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. John Hay)I do not think that free distribution of the Highway Code to all drivers would be justified. Sixpence is a very modest price for a document of such value.
§ Mr. ChannonIs my hon. Friend aware that in an Answer to me earlier he said there were well over 1 million copies which remain unsold? Since his Department has made such a large saving administratively by issuing driving licences less frequently, could he not use some of that saving to see that everyone has an opportunity of reading the Highway Code?
§ Mr. HayWhen this year's safety campaign gets under way, because it is based on the theme, "Honour your Code", I hope that we shall sell many more copies.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerWill the hon. Gentleman and the Minister take account of the fact that road accidents cost the nation something like £200 million a year?