HC Deb 17 November 1971 vol 826 cc414-5
42. Sir R. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the interests of road safety, he will make the fitting of mud flaps behind the rear wheels of all motor vehicles compulsory.

The Minister for Transport Industries (Mr. John Peyton)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Winchester (Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles) on Wednesday, 10th November.—[Vol. 825, c. 153.]

Sir R. Thompson

I do not precisely recall that answer, but does not my right hon. Friend consider that this is one of the cheapest and easiest steps he could take in aid of road safety? Is he aware of the great strain engendered through windscreens getting completely obscured by mud thrown up from motorways? Does he not think that the suggestion in the Question is sensible and a step which should be taken immediately?

Mr. Peyton

In order to help my hon. Friend, I should like to tell him that my answer on the previous occasion was "No, Sir", because even though this might be a cheap and easy step to take, I doubt whether it would be as effective as my hon. Friend appears to think.