§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the possibility of avoiding accidents on the roads where trailers are used if it were made compulsory for ropes to be used from the front to the rear vehicle: and will he consider the suggestion?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am advised that the adoption of the proposal might lead to danger, since chains or ropes of this kind would often sag and swing and also be an attraction to children for play. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has at my request recommended to manufacturers a standard specification for couplings. The matter is one to which special attention is paid by my examiners appointed under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Transport the number of accidents, fatal and non-fatal, on the roads of this country caused directly or indirectly by motor trailers, giving figures for each of the last five years, if possible?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIn 1935 there were 31 fatal road accidents in which mechanically propelled vehicles with trailers were held to be the sole or main cause and six fatal accidents in which such vehicles were considered to be a contributory cause. The further information desired by the hon. Member is not available.