§ Mr. CAMPBELLasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any representations on the subject of the carrying by cyclists of a red lamp at the rear of their machines; whether any accidents have recently occurred owing to such red lights not being carried; and what is the policy of his Department on the matter?
§ Lieut. - Colonel ASHLEYI have received many representations both in favour of, and against, the carrying of red rear lights by all bicycles. As regards the second part of the question, it must always be a matter of personal opinion whether in any particular case an accident to a cyclist might have been avoided by the provision of a rear light, but there certainly have been some cases among those inquired into by officers of my Department where an accident would probably have been prevented had some such precaution been adopted. As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Enfield (Colonel Applin) on the 18th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.
Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing that there is no requirement that ordinary bicycles, when being ridden at night, should carry a rear warning light, he will consider as to taking steps to make the exhibition of a light compulsory, having regard to 1190W the need for this under modern traffic conditions?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYThis question will arise in connection with the Roads Vehicles Bill, which I hope to introduce as soon as Parliamentary time is available. I am not at present in a position to make any statement.