§ Mr. Leachasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will now reconsider his former refusal to institute a 30-miles-per-hour speed limit to secure a reduction of petrol consumption and of road accidents?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIn view of the increase in the vehicles and man-power of the mobile police force which would be needed to enforce a statutory limit, the Government does not, at present, propose to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. In order to save fuel and tyres, however, my Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Information intend strongly to urge drivers of private cars not to 1077W exceed 40 miles an hour outside built-up areas. Instructions are being issued to all Government Departments to ensure that the drivers of their vehicles observe that limit except for Service reasons of over-riding urgency.