§ Mr. W. H. GREENasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a fatal accident at Greenwich to a boy named Arthur Briggs, who fell from a pedal cycle under the rear wheels of a motor-lorry; and, in view of the frequency of such accidents, will he consider the reintroduction of a regulation made by a previous Minister to enforce the provision of a guard rail, running board, or similar safety device to guard effectively the space between the front and rear wheels of heavy motor vehicles?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir. Regulations were proposed in 1931 but were not brought into operation. It is my intention to make them effective and to this end I have circulated a draft.
§ Mr. LEACHasked the Home Secretary whether he has noted that for every 55 deaths from road accidents in 1935 only one charge of manslaughter arose; and whether he is satisfied that the law in this respect is adequate and is being up-held?
§ Mr. LLOYDI do not think that any inference with regard to the adequacy of the law or its administration can be drawn from the figures to which the hon. Member refers. The question whether or not proceedings can be taken and if so whether they should be proceedings for manslaughter or for some other charge depends on the evidence which is available, and I have no reason to suppose that there is any hesitation in taking proceedings where the circumstances justify it.