HC Deb 18 July 1922 vol 156 cc1933-4W
Mr. KILEY

asked the Home Secretary if the House of Commons Committee on London Traffic, presided over by the late Mr. Kennedy Jones, M.P., reported in favour of an uniform rule for both the road and the footpath, and that the Ministry of Transport and national bodies representing the various types of local government have passed similar resolutions; and, in view of the danger of the walk-on-the-right practice, and the attention which is being directed in London and the provinces to the advisability of a change, is the Home Office prepared to agree with the views of the Ministry of Transport on this matter in the interests of public safety?

Mr. SHORTT

I am aware that the Committee referred to reported in favour of a uniform rule for both the road and the footpath, and this proposal has been supported by various bodies, but the attitude of the Ministry of Transport is not correctly represented in the question. The action taken by the Ministry has been to bring to the notice of the various associations representing local government authorities the recommendations in favour of a left-hand rule of the footpath, so that the views of these bodies may be ascertained. There is accordingly no disagreement between the Ministry and the Home Office such as is suggested.