§ Mr. Rossiasked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware of the public concern about the danger to children caused by itinerant ice cream vans; whether she is also aware of the number of accidents which occur through children darting in the road, attracted by these vans; and whether she will consider the making of regulations to combat these additional hazards to public safety.
§ Mr. SwinglerYes, we share this concern. Most of the accidents occur when unaccompanied children are crossing the road after buying ice cream.
The Ice Cream Alliance and the Ice Cream Federation are already co-operating with us. My right hon. Friend will consider at once anything that would afford greater protection, but it is doubtful whether the problem can be overcome by legislative measures. The best safeguard is for young children not to be 72W allowed out on the road by themselves. Whatever else may be done I hope that all parents will appreciate this.