§ Mr. Nealeasked the Minister of Transport when he intends to publish the report of the advisory committee on motor cycle training; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FowlerI am publishing the report today and placing copies in the Library.
Far too many motor cyclists, especially the young and inexperienced, are killed and injured on our roads. I believe that one way of tackling this problem is to increase the deplorably low number of riders now taking training. I am therefore most grateful to the committee, which was set up by the previous Government, for the valuable work that it has completed. I have not at this stage reached conclusions on the committee's report or its recommendations.
As the next step I have asked my hon. Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke), my Parliamentary Secretary, to discuss the whole subject of motor cycle safety with interested organisations, including the local authority associations. These discussions will cover the recommendations in the committee's report and other suggestions to promote training and motor cycle safety generally. Meanwhile, I take this opportunity to emphasise to all new riders the importance of taking training before going on the road.