HC Deb 13 December 1978 vol 960 cc637-8
6. Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects his current discussions with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to result in the implementation of section 8 of the Road Traffic Act.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Frank McElhone)

My right hon. Friend has told the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities that he proposes to bring section 8 of the Road Traffic Act 1974 into force from 1st April 1979.

Mr. Robertson

That is a very helpful reply. In the meantime, however, will my hon. Friend give the House some indication that there will be some alleviation of the appalling lack of facilities for training motor cyclists, bearing in mind that in the last year fatalities to motor cyclists were an all-time record figure?

Mr. McElhone

Section 8 puts a duty on local authorities to promote road safety, rather than just confirming the power that they had previously. I realise that the number of accidents to motor cyclists represents a serious problem, and I shall convey what has been said to my ministerial colleagues who deal with it at the Scottish Office.