§ 53. Mr. Nealeasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on progress with consultations on motor cycle safety.
§ Mr. FowlerI have completed my consultations and am now formulating my policy proposals. The consultations revealed widespread agreement that present-day machines of 250 cc capacity are too fast and powerful for the average learner. There was a strong body of opinion in favour of limiting the number of provisional licences which a learner can take out. Nearly everyone supported the concept of training, but there were sharp differences of view as to whether it should be made compulsory or not. Much concern was also expressed about the number of accidents caused by the carelessness of other vehicle users, particularly at junctions.