§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Transport what were the casualties on the roads of the United Kingdom during the month of October; how many occurred during black-out hours; how many were pedestrians, cyclists and occupants of motor vehicles, respectively; and whether he will consider the relative value 674W allowing increased lighting of motor and cycle headlights as is the practice in France?
§ Captain Wallace919 persons were reported to have died in Great Britain during the month of October, 1939, as the result of road accidents. Of these, 564 persons died as the result of accidents during the hours of darkness. The total figure comprises 572 pedestrians, 132 pedal cyclists, 113 motor cyclists and pillion passengers, 34 drivers of mechanically-propelled vehicles other than motor cycles, and 68 other persons.
As regards the last part of the question, the new type of headlamp mask for motor cars and motor cycles gives a greatly improved driving light and I hope that the general use of this type of mask will prove to be a factor in reducing the number of accidents.