HC Deb 19 April 1967 vol 745 cc582-3
25. Mr. Dance

asked the Minister of Transport whether she has now completed her consideration of the advantages to be obtained from the use of reflector number plates on vehicles; and whether she will make a statement.

47 and 48. Mr. Lomas

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if she will give an assurance that she will introduce, within this or in the next Session of Parliament, legislation permitting the use of reflective number plates as an aid to road safety;

(2) when she expects her Lighting Working Party to report its findings on the value of reflective number plates; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. John Morris

The Lighting Working Party is still considering the use of reflective number plates and will make recommendations as soon as its study is complete.

I am unable to anticipate these recommendations.

Mr. Dance

But is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is entirely unsatisfactory, as it must be obvious to everybody that these reflector number plates will aid safety? Why are the Government taking so long to reach a decision? Surely we can say on the spot that these are valuable. They have been used in other countries to great advantage.

Mr. Morris

The Road Research Laboratory made a report on 12th January this year on these plates. The working party saw a demonstration on 29th February and this is the first item on the agenda at the next meeting on 9th May. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that, once a recommendation comes to the Minister, it will receive high priority.

Mr. Lomas

Is my hon. Friend aware that, by the end of this year, about 40 million vehicles in the world will be equipped with these reflector safety plates, which is sufficient proof in itself? May I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the Ten Minute Rule Bill which I introduced this morning, and hope that it will be given every consideration?

Mr. Morris

I am aware of the Bill which my hon. Friend introduced, as is my hon. Friend the other Joint Parliamentary Secretary, who has been in correspondence with my hon. Friend. I can assure him that, once a recommendation comes to the Minister from the working party, it will receive a high priority.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. James Dance, Question No. 26.

Mr. Ogden

On a point of order. With respect, my hon. Friend answered Questions No. 25 and Nos. 47 and 48 together. Question No. 65, in my name, is on the same point. May I be given the opportunity to ask a question?

Mr. Speaker

I am not responsible for the grouping of questions by a Minister.