HC Deb 27 March 1968 vol 761 cc1519-20
42. Mr. Macdonald

asked the Minister of Transport whether she has by now received the views of local authorities on the Report of the Working Party on the Training of Learner Motor-Cyclists; and if she will make a sattement on the development of the training scheme now operated by the Royal Automobile Club/ Auto Cycle Union.

Mr. Swingler

The last of the replies from the local authority associations was received earlier this month, and we are now considering their views.

Mr. Macdonald

Does my hon. Friend agree that few acts could do more to improve road safety than improvements in the training of learner motor-cyclists? Is it not, therefore, urgent to repay the painstaking zeal of those who drew up the report with great speed in coming to a conclusion about these replies?

Mr. Swingler

Yes. My right hon. Friend is extremely anxious to make progress on the proposals which she has put forward. We shall be talking to the local authorities about them, and I hope that we shall rapidly reach a consensus and get action.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

In view of the Minister's justifiable onslaught on noise from four-wheeled vehicles, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman can say to what extent local authorities have expressed any opinions on the noise made by motor cycles and whether some encouragement can be given to abate the nuisance?

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is a question about the training of learner motorcyclists.

Mr. Swingler

The subject that the hon. Gentleman has raised is covered by regulations introduced by my right hon. Friend.