HC Deb 12 January 1977 vol 923 cc1432-3
24. Mr. Mawby

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many motor cyclists have been killed or injured in 1976.

Mr. Horam

Data for the whole of 1976 are not yet available, but it is estimated from incomplete returns that the total number of such casualties in Great Britain was about 69,000.

Mr. Mawby

Does the Minister agree that those cold statistics reveal a terrible waste of young lives and that it is important to do everything possible to reduce the wastage? As things stand, any youngster aged 17 can buy a motor cycle and take it straight out on to the road with a provisional licence. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that every encouragement should be given to the training schemes which now exist, in particular the RAC-ACU scheme, and that we should work towards the objective of making full training available for every motor cyclist?

Mr. Horam

Yes, my right hon. Friend and I are very concerned about these dreadful figures. This is one of the most important matters in road safety. We have done something through legislation to limit this problem by the restriction we put on the maximum design speed capacity of mopeds: they are now limited to 30 m.p.h. That restriction comes into force in July. I agree also that we should support to the fullest extent the training schemes which are now expanding.

Mr. Norman Fowler

These are truly appalling figures. As the casualty rate is greatest amongst the 16 to 18-year-olds, is it not essential that there should be much wider training of motor cyclists? Without any disrespect to the existing scheme, does the hon. Gentleman agree with the suggestion which has been made that an inquiry should be set up so that we can have a truly national scheme for training motor cyclists?

Mr. Horam

I am not at present in favour of an inquiry, which could slow down progress. We have some pretty good progress to be made on the STEP educational scheme in schools. We should push that as far as possible before taking things further.

Mr. Bagier

Is my hon. Friend aware that motor cycle retailers are concerned about the fact that a youngster can buy a high-powered motor cycle and simply drive off with L-plates? Have they not made approaches to my hon. Friend suggesting a form of training, towards which they are prepared to provide funds and expertise? They are deeply concerned and want to help.

Mr. Horam

My hon. Friend is right. The motor cycle industry is concerned and is already making a contribution towards the STEP training scheme, which, as I said, is going very well.