HC Deb 19 July 1961 vol 644 cc1241-2
46. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Transport why the hand signal is retained as the basic form of signal for drivers of motor vehicles.

Mr. Marples

The hand signal is basic because it is the only signal that can be given by drivers or riders of all types of vehicles; but I regard the use of electric signals as more appropriate for most turning movements.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that it is extremely dangerous to regard the hand signal as basic at night?

Mr. Marples

Yes, I would, but at the same time I think that when one rides a motor cycle, for example, one ought to know some sort of method of giving signals by hand, because it is difficult sometimes on some vehicles to have some kind of electrial indicator.