HL Deb 01 November 1962 vol 244 c111

2.45 p.m.

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether or not they are in favour of a common highway code for all members of the Common Market.]

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, there would certainly be advantages if European countries, including members of the Common Market, were to have a common highway code. A restricted group of experts constituted under the European Conference of Ministers of Transport is at present studying the unification of road traffic rules in Europe with a view to preparing a European highway code. Membership of this group is not confined to Common Market countries. My right honourable friend the Minister of Transport has arranged for the United Kingdom to be associated with the work of the group, even though it may not be practicable for the United Kingdom to change all its rules to continental practice.

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for his encouraging reply.