HL Deb 11 November 1981 vol 425 cc231-2

2.43 p.m.

Lord Underhill

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 they have any comments on a national newspaper advertisement which featured a young commuter who had transferred to a motor-cycle with the statement—"I chose my— for two reasons. One, I only needed a provisional licence (I can't drive, you see). And two, I felt it was the simplest to ride… it helps if all you have to do is to twist a throttle and steer".

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, any question about the factual content of an advertisement must be referred to the Advertising Standards Authority. However, the Government would deprecate any impression given to novices that riding a motor-cycle requires little or no skill. The noble Lord is, however, aware of our policy. It is to provide much stronger inducements to novice riders to take a course of training and pass their test. We intend the new two-part test, Part 1 of which can be taken with an approved training organisation, to come into operation on 29th March next year.

Lord Underhill

My Lords, may I say to the noble Earl, Lord Avon, how much I appreciate his reply, but will he not agree that the advertisement which appeared in this national newspaper showed gross irresponsibility in so far as in the course of the discussion on the Transport Bill many noble Lords emphasised the importance of first-time motor-cyclists having training and not waiting until six months or so afterwards? Will the Ministry do whatever it can to ensure that this type of advertisement is not repeated?

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, I entirely agree with the sentiments expressed by the noble Lord, Lord Underhill. However, as I said in my earlier reply, questions of factual content in advertisements are referred to the Advertising Standards Authority and of course that line should be followed in this case. I think the dangers of motor-cycling, which we brought out in the debate in June of this year, should certainly never be understated, as it is the most dangerous form of road transport.