HL Deb 04 May 1988 vol 496 cc562-3

2.40 p.m.

Lord Campbell of Croy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will give urgent consideration to the recommendations of the road traffic law review.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)

My Lords, as I said in a Written Answer to my noble friend Lord Brougham and Vaux on 12th April, the Government will press ahead with consideration of the review's report and will report to Parliament on our progress before the Summer Recess.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I am grateful for that very satisfactory reply. I was certainly not expecting immediate comments as early as today. Does my noble friend agree, however, that this report is timely and relevant in suggesting better use of police time and a realistic campaign against dangerous and inconsiderate driving, examples of which some of us see almost every week?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I agree that this is indeed a timely and relevant report. It is a long and complex report which contains 137 recommendations. We agree that there is a need to consider these quickly, but also, of course, thoroughly. The views of others, such as the police, have to be taken into account.

Lord Underhill

My Lords, does the Minister appreciate that we are in full agreement with him that this very important report needs to be given the most thorough and careful consideration? Hasty decisions must not be made even though we want early decisions. When the Minister says that the Government will report to Parliament, will that be in the form of a document listing the Government's responses which, if necessary, through the usual channels could be debated before legislation is introduced?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I am not sure what form the published response will take. However, a request for a debate would have to be arranged through the usual channels.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, will my noble friend agree that many accidents are caused through lack of imagination—cars being driven much too fast down narrow streets, or weaving in and out of traffic lanes—and that such drivers cannot all be doctors on emergency calls or even parliamentarians responding to the call of urgent whipping?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, my noble friend is quite right. Obviously there is a need for education and research into the problem of road safety. The Government are contributing in respect of both those matters.

Lord Elwyn-Jones

My Lords, can the House assume from the question put by the noble Lord below the gangway that he has been subjected to demands in urgent whipping?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, perhaps the noble and learned Lord will address his question to my noble friend.