HC Deb 10 February 1982 vol 17 cc956-7
2. Mr. Sheerman an

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the total numbers of deaths and serious injuries to motor cyclists on roads since 1970.

The Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Kenneth Clarke)

In the 11½ years up to June 1981, it is estimated that 10,800 motor cyclists were killed and 198,000 seriously injured in road accidents in Great Britain.

Mr. Sheerman

Does the Minister agree that that is an awful total? Is he not concerned that these accidents have occurred during a period when the British market has been dominated by Japanese imports? Is he aware that according to many experts those parents who allow their son or daughter to buy a motor cycle are encouraging them to take up a more dangerous pursuit than to be a Spitfire pilot in 1940? Will he seek urgent consultations with Japanese exporters, as the French have done, to sort out the hyprocrisy whereby motor cycles are imported into this country that are not allowed on Japanese roads?

Mr. Clarke

I regret that the British have allowed their motor cycle industry to be dominated by the Japanese. However, I do not believe that: this factor is directly related to present road safety problems. I had the support of the hon. Member for Huddersfield, East (Mr. Sheerman) on the Transport Bill in 1981 when the Government proposed a package of measures to try to curb the appalling number of road accidents. We are making good progress in putting those provisions into effect. We hope to have the whole package under way during 1982.

Mr. Parris

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that this alarming increase in casualties cloaks a great increase in the number of motor cyclists on the road? In terms of casualties per motor cycle mile, the safety figures are improving.

Mr. Clarke

In terms of casualty figures per mile travelled the figures are improving, but they are still very bad compared with all other vehicles. It is 30 times more dangerous to be a motor cyclist on the road than it is to drive any other form of vehicle. That underlines the urgent need for the Government's package of motor cycle safety measures to be brought into effect.