§ 35. Mr. Mappasked the Minister of Transport what research is being undertaken into the advantages of substituting sliding doors for opening doors on the off side of road vehicles.
§ Mr. GalbraithWe have not asked for research work to be done on sliding doors as such. The manufacturers, however, are always looking for developments in bodywork design generally that would improve convenience and safety. Sliding doors are already used for several types of vehicle, when they are specially suitable.
§ Mr. MappSurely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware of the terrible hazard to cyclists and motor cyclists presented by the opening outwards of doors of road vehicles? This is clearly a desirable improvement. Will the Minister say to his Road Research Laboratory, "This is something which is desirable. Will you sort out the technical details and let the Department know when it can be done"?
§ Mr. GalbraithThe trouble is that anything which is an advantage often has a disadvantage. Although the hon. Member has pointed out the advantages, there are disadvantages. If there is an accident the doors are likely to jam and it is then more difficult for passengers to get out of a car than if it has the normal type of doors. It is also very difficult when there are sliding doors to have two doors on the same side of the car, as one has in the normal car. There are difficulties as well as advantages.