§ Sir I. FRASERasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that more than 4,000 blind persons have purchased or been given white walking sticks for use when walking alone to indicate to motorists that they are blind; and if he will help to make the significance of these white sticks more widely known among the motoring public by giving instructions that a query with regard to them should be included in the driving tests now being given, and by including a reference to them in any future editions of the highway code or other propaganda which he may issue?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have tried to assist the object which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, and I have let it be known that the carrying of white sticks by the blind has my approval and support. I am always ready to advance the project to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers by any means open to me and it will certainly be relevant to consider, when the Highway Code comes to be revised, whether it would be appropriate to include advice on this subject. On the other hand it should be borne in mind that there are certain possible objections to this course; for example, blind people might rely too much on their sticks, the sticks might be used by people who are not blind, and people who are blind or nearly so and did not wish to use the sticks might be prejudiced in the event of an accident.