§ 6. Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallettasked the Minister of Transport when he intends to publish the further information he has received regarding motor-cycle accidents.
§ Mr. HayWe expect to receive a full report on the survey of motor-cycle accidents in about two months. If, as I hope, some preliminary information becomes available in the meantime, we will consider whether it is suitable for immediate publication.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettIs my hon. Friend aware of the deep public concern about the present scale of motorcycle accidents, and will he not agree that Members of Parliament and the public should be allowed to see these figures so that we can form our own opinion as to the wisdom of recommendations made over 2½ years ago by the Road Safety Committee concerning the age of motor cyclists?
§ Mr. HayIn reply to the first part of the supplementary question, we are certainly aware of the disquiet. As to the second part, I would remind my hon. Friend that, in the debate on the Road Traffic (Motor Cycles and Mopeds) Bill, I said that we would be ready to consider the publication of those figures when we have them.
§ Mr. MellishSince it is known that there has been a steep rise in the number of deaths as a result of motor cycles, and referring to the debate mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, does he not remember that a committee was established by this House seven years ago 1306 which recommended that there should be consultation with the manufacturers of motor cycles to get their co-operation before they sold them to anyone holding an "L" licence? After all, the Government have been warned about this for a long time.
§ Mr. HayI cannot say what has been done about that without notice. It does not arise under this Question.