§ 12. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to make the Highway Code more easily available to the public.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe code is already widely available. Each year, well over 1 million copies are sold, and over 1½ million copies are distributed to all applicants for a first provisional driving licence and to children enrolling for the national cycling proficiency scheme.
§ Mr. LewisIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that there is a general view that the document is not as widely available as it ought to be, largely because there is a restricted outlet for it and it is not obtainable through 917 enough shops, such as stationers and others? Will my hon. and learned Friend think in terms of making it available perhaps through garages or in some other way?
§ Mr. ClarkeI shall certainly look into that interesting suggestion. The Highway Code is in fact available on sale through some of the leading national chains—I believe that W. H. Smith and Menzies carry it—but we shall see whether there is any need to improve the outlets. I fear that what happens is that very few people try to get it or read it once they have got through the driving test.
§ Mr. HigginsWill my hon. and learned Friend consider adding a supplement to the Highway Code covering the deplorable practice of those drivers in the outside lanes of motorways who flash those in front of them who are themselves at the maximum speed limit allowed? Will he consider whether something could be done about this, in view of the great danger created by the absolute maniacs who, often in appalling weather conditions, pursue that practice?
§ Mr. ClarkeI shall obviously take note of my right hon. Friend's strong views. Sooner or later the code will have to be revised and brought up to date, and I am sure that there will be many suggestions for improvements and inclusions in it. The practice which my right hon. Friend describes is obviously most undesirable.