§ 30. Mr. Atkinsonasked the Minister of Transport whether, in the interests of road safety, he will take steps to ensure that political and other organisations refrain from distributing printed slogans 464 to be stuck in the rear windows of motor cars, in view of the fact that they obscure vision and act as a distraction to other road users.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI have no power to prohibit the distribution of printed slogans. The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1963, already require the driver to have a clear view through the windows of a motor vehicle.
§ Mr. AtkinsonWould not the Minister agree that a more definite instruction is necessary in view of the present vogue? Would he also agree that now that motor car designers are attempting to get maximum all-round visibility the need for this instruction is becoming increasingly apparent? Would he not agree that when a motorist is involved in an accident it is no consolation for him to learn that the motorist in front is not to blame because he voted Conservative?
§ Mr. FraserAs I have said, I have no power to prohibit the distribution of printed slogans. I think it would be a mistake for me to contemplate putting a ban on the insertion of messages in the rear windows of motor cars. I can think of some which fulfil a very useful purpose, such as, "Disabled Driver" or "Running In, Please Pass." Quite a number of these messages are useful and I would not want to ban them.
§ Sir W. Bromley-DavenportWould not the Minister agree that the motives which prompted this Question are not road safety but political safety in view of all the excellent signs which have been put on our cars for so long warning everybody of the chaos of Socialist Government?
§ Mr. FraserI am reliably informed that the car which bears the label, "Don't blame me. I voted for Enoch", is not the car of the hon. and gallant Member.