§ THE EARL OF CORK AND ORRERYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any information concerning the fog-penetrating power of motor-car sidelights in daylight.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF PUBLIC BUILDING AND WORKS (LORD WINTERBOTTOM)My Lords, motor vehicle sidelights are not intended to penetrate fog. The Highway Code advises the use of headlights in daytime fog.
§ THE EARL OF CORK AND ORRERYMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord. Does he appreciate, I wonder, that in spite of the instructions in the Highway Code the vast majority of motorists use only their sidelights in daylight fog, and that this practice is dangerous because it is misleading?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, I think that that is an interesting observation. I will see that that point of view is transmitted to my right honourable friend the Minister of Transport.
§ LORD SOMERSMy Lords, would the Minister of Transport consider making an order that during fog, and even possibly after dark, nothing less than dipped headlights should be used? That is a widely held opinion in motoring circles.
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, I will convey that point of view also to my honourable friend.