asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to make it illegal for any vehicle to be parked within a prescribed distance of a road junction.

This is a possibility being considered by the Department in a comprehensive review, with the police and others concerned, of the legal and practical aspects of obstruction. Meanwhile, local authorities are in many places introducing more restrictions on waiting and loading or unloading junctions.

Although there is much to be said for giving local authorities responsibility for regulations on non-trunk roads, is not this an instance in which an overall policy would reduce confusion and, therefore, add to safety?

Yes, Sir; we consider that it would be desirable to have an overall policy, but we have to take into account the many and varied local circumstances. This is why a special study is now being made to see whether it is possible to have standardised regulations on the subject.

asked the Minister of Transport what measures he proposes to reduce accidents on motorways in fog conditions.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friends the Members for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Heffer) and for Coventry, North (Mr. Edelman) on 24th November.

The public are anxious that more should be done. For example, will my right hon. Friend respond to the urgent need to press ahead with the provision of emergency roadside telephones on the many miles of motorway which at present have no such provision, in particular the notorious Doncaster by-pass?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that to extend the provision of telephones as he suggests is not something that can be done with the speed with which I can take the other measures I announced a week ago. I am perfectly ready to look at all the suggestions which have been made for improving safety on the motorways in the longer term, but I think that I had better get on with the short-term measures which I have announced.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the danger to road safety on motorways and other roads caused by fog and other weather conditions, he will have further consideration given to the device to be carried on vehicles to give warning of accidents, details of which have been sent to him, and about which representations have been made to him by the hon. Member for South Bedfordshire.

I have asked the National Road Safety Advisory Council to advise on the use of direction indicators or other devices as emergency warning signals.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that as his Ministry is responsible for initiating road safety devices, it is up to his Ministry to give encouragement, by constructive criticism and in other ways, to those who contribute to the cause of road safety?

Indeed it is the Ministry's function to do that. That is why I appointed the Road Safety Advisory Council, and I should have thought that this was the organisation to which I should turn for advice in these matters.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to complete dual carriageways on the A.12 from Ipswich to Blytheburgh.

We contemplate providing dual carriageways between Ipswich and Martlesham, but the timing depends on plans for the expansion of Ipswich, which have yet to be settled. Dual carriageways are not at present justified beyond Martlesham.

That is a very disappointing reply, in view of the bottlenecks at Wickham Market and Saxmund-ham further on. If this road is to carry more traffic, will his right hon. Friend bear that matter in mind when he comes to consider the possible closure of the East Suffolk railway?

We shall take that in to account, but the hon. And gallant Gentleman will appreciate that we have to consider the road schemes here in relation to the possible expansion of Ipswich, on which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government has appointed consultants. Until we know the result of that, we cannot take a decision.

asked the Minister of Transport what sections of the A.453 between Tamworth and the parish of Thorpe Constantine are to be improved.

Part of this section of A.453 will eventually be relieved by the proposed Tamworth by-pass. For the rest, it is our intention later on to provide dual carriageways. But we cannot say when these schemes can be included in the trunk road programme.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in view of the recent appalling accident involving the deaths of four children and two adults, I looked at the road carefully, and there seems to be a case for some relatively cheap minor modifications to increase the safety factor?

We all regret the terrible accident which occurred, but my hon. Friend also knows that substantial improvements are being made to the A.38, and it is the intention that these will relieve the position on the A.453. But if small minor improvements could be made to overcome the problem, we should be prepared to consider them.

I am much obliged.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now make a statement on the route of the projected extension of the M.2 motorway into London.

The trunk road A.2 is being improved to near motorway standard. West of the Bexley-Greenwich boundary the Greater London Council is the responsible authority. It is investigating possible extensions of the route and will publish its proposals with a view to their being included in the Greater London Development Plan.

asked the Minister of Transport why the new large signposts in London, S.W.1, indicating the routes to the main roads from London to the North and West, omit any reference to the motorways.

The Greater London Council is responsible for the new primary route signs in S.W.1.

We understand that the new signposts have been put up in the area of Victoria Station to assist the new traffic scheme there. They carry the same references as other signs in the surrounding area. References to the motorways would be of little help to motorists unless they were continuous along the whole route.

Would it not be helpful to motorists coming to London from both outside London and abroad if they could find their way to the motorways as is the case in foreign countries, particularly Italy?

Yes, Sir. I agree with the hon. Gentleman, but there are difficulties of expense and so on. In London this is a matter for the Greater London Council, which is the traffic authority, and we will draw its attention to what the hon. Gentleman has said.

asked the Minister of Transport what alteration there has been in the timing of the programme for providing the link between the M.1 and the M.6.

None, Sir.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the biggest snarl up in the whole of the road system is in this area? Is he aware that this is the main artery from the West to the Midlands and the South, including the ports which are so essential to our exports? Will he not speed up this vitally important programme?

It is just because my right hon. Friend realises that that he has not altered the programme at all. That is why we are proceeding as rapidly as possible with the Midlands motorway link.

asked the Minister of Transport what sum of money was spent on trunk roads in Dorset in the last financial year; and what sum of money is estimated to be spent in the current year.

In the last financial year, some £43,800 were spent on major improvements and £106,900 on maintenance and minor improvements. Estimated expenditure for the current financial year is some £69,200 on major improvements and £120,800 on maintenance and minor improvements.

Is not the principal effect of those figures the fact that when tourist traffic is at its height there will be a complete snarl-up of traffic on the main Dorset roads? Is not the programme quite inadequate?

The main point about the figures is that there has been a substantial increase in expenditure on major and minor improvements and maintenance. We are not saying that the programme is ideal, but Dorset has a rather small mileage of trunk roads for which my right hon. Friend is responsible. We hope to continue the progress which we are making.

In view of the importance of Dorset, as witnessed by the fact that two Miss Worlds in succession have been drawn from Dorset, are we not entitled to better communications with the rest of the country?

I am not sure what that has to do with trunk roads.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for improving the Barnstaple to Torrington road, in view of increased road traffic consequent upon railway closures.

Devon County Council, the highway authority for B.3232, the direct route between Barnstaple and Torrington, has a number of improvements in mind, which will be carried out as soon as funds are available. The additional bus services using A.386 and A.39 are likely to have only a marginal effect.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman specifically about the funds available? When increased traffic is placed on the roads consequent upon rail closures, are not special grants available? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very dangerous road and that even. with careful driving I have twice nearly caused a by-election in the last three months? Will he see whether this very narrow and dangerous road could not qualify for some special Ministry assistance to make it safer to take the additional traffic?

Devon County Council is entitled to grants for improvements on this road. It is for the council to put its suggestions to us. There has not been any substantial change in the traffic situation on the road, but I recognise that there is a need for improvements and we shall very sympathetically consider any proposal put by the county council.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a census of vehicles using the Maidstone to Rainham road with a view to classifying that road and to making improvements to it, particularly near Dunn Street.

This road is already classified. It would be for Kent County Council, as highway authority, to initiate proposals for improvement or reclassification.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on this road there have already been a number of accidents to pedestrians? Because of the junction with the motorway and the fact that there is no footpath in the village, the school caretaker has already been hurt and school children and many other people in this small village are literally in fear of their lives every day. Will the hon. Gentleman look at this very carefully and seriously?

Certainly. I want drivers to take more care on this road. However, the traffic flow on it is relatively small. A recent survey showed about 1,500 vehicles a day using it. It is for the Kent County Council, as highway authority, to make proposals. If it has any to make, we will consider them carefully.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will reconsider his refusal of the request of Slough Borough Council for a pedestrian crossing in Farnham Road, Slough.

A central reservation is to be provided soon in Farnham Road between Hampshire Avenue and Gloucester Avenue. This will help by enabling pedestrians to cross the road in two stages. We will, however, review the need for a pedestrian crossing three months after the central reservation has been made.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the whole one mile length of this road contains no place on which it is safe to cross? Is he further aware that the traffic lights are at intersections and that even there, where people think it more safe to cross because of the lights, there is severe danger from vehicles turning right? Will he keep this matter constantly under review?

Yes, Sir. We are attempting to solve the problem by having a central reservation. We shall review it again after that. If it does not work, further measures will be taken.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will arrange for the traffic signals at the junction of Farnham Road and Northborough Road, Slough, to have an all-red phase to enable children and elderly people to cross the road at this point without the risk of being knocked over by vehicles turning right.

We understand the Slough Borough Council introduced an all-red phase in these signals on Monday, 15th November.

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the high accident rate on the A.6 road through Disley, what steps he will take to mitigate the dangers of the traffic through this village.

I have written to the hon. Member on this matter.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me when he sent the letter, because I have not received it?

rose—— [Laughter.]

This is not a laughing matter. A child was killed on this road recently. Will the Joint Parliamentary Secretary take account of the fact that, because of the reduced rail services, the traffic on this road has increased enormously and the accident rate is going up? What does he intend doing about it? How are we to reduce the accident rate on this road, where a child was killed quite recently?

It is a serious matter. I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman has not received my letter. It was put on the board for him this morning. It is quite a long letter. As he knows, I have an appointment to see him at 3.30 to discuss the problem. My letter contains several suggestions to try to alleviate the situation.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in the interests of road safety, he will seek to make it compulsory for all road vehicles to be fitted with mud flaps.

As my hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mr. Rowland) was told on 24th November, an investigation by the Road Research Laboratory has shown that mud flaps, with improved mudguards, can reduce spray behind commercial vehicles, but are of little benefit on private cars, especially when travelling at speed.

There is therefore no reason to make the fitting of mud flaps generally compulsory but we are seeking the co-operation of the motor industry in making improvements in commercial vehicles.

Will the hon. Gentleman look at this again? Does not he realise that a great part of the traffic, particularly on motorways, consists of lorries, for which this would be appropriate? Does not he think that here we have a simple, effective and cheap contribution to road safety, much more useful than regulations about speed limits which cannot be enforced?

We have asked the manufacturers to try to get the general fitting of mud flaps on commercial vehicles; but we depend on the advice of the Road Research Laboratory, which has done considerable research into the effect of mud flaps on cars. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will see the film that it has made, showing that we have no case for making this compulsory for cars.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I do not think that my constituent, the hon. Member for Knutsford (Sir W. Bromley-Davenport), is doing too well. Can he be attended to?

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I never felt better in my life.

Order. I hope that hon. Gentlemen will not waste the time of the House on bogus points of order.

asked the Minister of Transport what short-term and long-term plans he has for improving the flow of traffic through Waltham Abbey in Essex.

Essex County Council, as the authority responsible for traffic management, is now considering a one- way traffic system. An improvement of High Bridge Street now in progress should be finished by about the end of next year. My right hon. Friend has recently written to my hon. Friend about the long-term prospects for extending the D-Ring Road east of A.10, where the section due to be built in the next few years will end.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the great need for bringing forward the date of the construction of the D-Ring Road to carry through traffic in this area, since the narrow streets of Waltham Abbey are unsuitable, even with a one-way system, to carry through traffic?

My hon. Friend knows the tremendous demand on limited funds. We would like to see the D-Ring Road programme carried out as soon as possible but it is impossible to say now when it will be done. In the meantime, at a cost of £130,000, work is in hand to remove bottlenecks in High Bridge Street.

asked the Minister of Transport how many serious accidents, including fatalities, have occurred on the A.59 road between York and Harrogate in the latest available 12-month period; and how this compares with the preceding 12-month period.

In the 12 months up to 30th September, 1965, there were 39 serious accidents, including 6 fatal; in the preceding 12 months there were 50 serious accidents, including 4 fatal.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether he would agree that this 15 or 20 mile stretch of road is clearly very perilous? Can he assure us that these facts have been taken into account in his right hon. Friend's consideration of the closure of the York to Harrogate railway line?

Yes. These facts are being taken into account and my right hon. Friend is considering a scheme for flyovers in this area in the next roll forward of the road programme.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) how many counties have now provided lavatory facilities on trunk roads; and how many counties are planning new lavatory facilities in 1966;

(2) what estimate he has made of the approximate cost of providing a lavatory on a trunk road, and of its approximate running costs.

These facilities have been provided in Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and Somerset. The local authorities in seven other counties are now planning to provide them. The capital cost depends upon the size and type of lavatory provided, and the availability of services to the site. It could range from about £1,500 to £5,000 or more. Running costs would also vary according to the circumstances.

Does the Minister not agree that the present number of conveniences is far from adequate? What has happened to the promises made in this House in February and in the Adjournment debate on 29th April? Is he aware that if the Government gave a grant now of 75 per cent. these conveniences could be ready by early summer of next year?

This is the progress which has been made, according to the schemes put forward by the local authorities under the pilot scheme. We have not yet spent all the money; we hope that by next summer we will have spent the £50,000 that was promised in the pilot scheme. After that we shall review the future financing of the scheme, as we have promised.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce automatic early-warning systems on motorways and' trunk roads to warn motorists of hazards ahead in conditions of bad visibility.

There is already a remote controlled warning system on 26 miles of M.5. As I said on 24th November, I am studying signalling systems to see what permanent arrangements we should adopt for the motorways.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that my Question is not directed solely to motorways, which, after all, carry a relatively small proportion of the national traffic? Would he also be prepared to consider a review in the light of the needs of our trunk road system generally?

I am bound to say that I had thought that it was generally appreciated that we had to deal with the motorways problem first. Certainly the great public concern which has been expressed has been about motorways. Even the hon. Lady's Question dealt with motorways and trunk roads. I think that we should go ahead with the experiment we are having on the motorways.

Bearing in mind that particularly on the A.1 there are alternate stretches of motorway and trunk road, and therefore special dangers arise, will the Minister see whether these warning signs can be provided over the whole length of such roads?

I appreciate the need to do a great many things, but I think even the right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that to get warning signs at one mile intervals along all our motorways before Christmas is a mammoth task. If there is so much to be done to make our roads safer, it is a great pity that the right hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friends did so little about it for so many years.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give an assurance that the A.38 Blue Linhay Hill to East Caton Cross Road Scheme, the Drumbridge to Chudleigh Knighton Bridge Road Scheme, and the Ashburton By-pass Scheme will not be delayed for more than six months under the Road Expenditure Programme; and whether he will now give the new starting date of each of these schemes.

Subject to land acquisition being completed in time the new starting dates will be six months after the originally planned dates and will therefore be April, June and May, 1966, respectively.

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for at least giving us the assurance that they will be held up for only six months. Will he and his right hon. Friend bear in mind that it could be a false economy if men and machines were idle as a result of this happening? Will he keep an eye on this matter?

I have no evidence of any machinery or men being idle, and we shall proceed with this as rapidly as we can.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will reconsider his decision to defer the agreed improvements to the A.38 in Devon, in particular on the dangerous stretch between Chaddlewood and Lyneham Inn.

The schemes on A.38 which have been postponed do not fall in any of the exempted categories. None of the schemes so far deferred affect the section between Chaddlewood and Lyneham Inn.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the last three years there have been no less than 134 accidents on this sector of the Chaddlewood Line, six of them fatal? Will he please do something at once, because improvements were due to be carried out there this year, and we cannot afford to wait until the Plympton by-pass is completed, perhaps in three years' time.

If the highway authority can suggest any short-term measures, we shall consider them as rapidly as possible, but the only longterm solution to the problem is the construction of the Plympton by-pass, which is programmed for 1968.

asked the Minister of Transport why such a high proportion of the delayed road schemes is in the South-West; and what account he has taken of this in approving rail closures in the same area.

Schemes, whether in the South-West or elsewhere, were deferred unless they fell into one of the exempted categories. None of the deferred schemes in the South-West had any relevance to a railway closure.

Will the Minister at least say that in future he will consider road and rail communications for the South-West together?

I always do.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied with the standard of equipment available for the rapid clearance of motorways and other major highways after serious road accidents have occurred; and if he will make a statement.

I have no evidence to suggest that there is any deficiency in the equipment normally used to clear accidents on these roads.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have discussions with his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to ensure that there is some standard equipment available to the police and the fire brigade when they are called to serious accidents on motorways?

My information is that the police and fire brigades are either properly equipped themselves, or are satisfied that equipment is available at garages with which they can get in touch at very short notice.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the dangerous junction at Tabernacle Street and Leonard Street in London, where 22 accidents have happened in five years, and that despite representations no safety measures have been taken; and what steps by way of lights or warning obstacles on the minor road he will take to improve the junction.

Responsibility for the junction now lies with the London Boroughs of Islington and Hackney as highway authorities and the Greater London Council as traffic authority. On the Department's advice steps were taken by the former Metropolitan Boroughs of Finsbury and Shoreditch to improve conditions here, resulting in the reduction of accidents from 14 in 1963 to 5 in the last 12 months. We understand that further steps are now being taken by the highway authorities.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that someone who has an office at this junction has reported every accident that has occurred there during the last five years to the police and to the local authorities and urged that action be taken? Will he use that as a reason to chase up local authorities and the police to act much more quickly at this dangerous junction?

The Borough of Islington has asked the G.L.C. to approve new traffic signs at this junction. We are prepared to discuss the matter with the G.L.C. and to do everything we can to assist.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of prosecutions instituted in 1964, he is satisfied that the regulations applying to dangerously insecure loads carried on vehicles on the highways are sufficiently understood or adequate; and if he will take steps to publicise these regulations.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that the regulations applying to dangerously insecure loads carried on vehicles on the highways are adequate; and if he will make a statement.

The regulations are in general and simple terms and we have no reason to think they are not well known and understood by vehicle operators.

Does the Minister consider that nearly 1,000 prosecutions a month for insecure loads indicates that the regulations are widely known and well understood, not to mention the number of instances when prosecutions have not occurred?

There is no reason to believe that the regulations are not well known. The fact is that they are not widely observed. There has been a growing number of enforcement actions, and we want to increase the number. I hope that these Questions will give publicity to the matter.

Is my hon. Friend aware of a recent case in the North-East of a lorry carrying 14 tons of steel sheets secured by three half-inch ropes which were sliced off into a bus, the penalty imposed in this case being a fine of only £3 or £4? Are not more stringent penalties required to keep these offenders off the road altogether?

Powers exist under the law to fine up to £50, according to the circumstances. My right hon. Friend and I have no control over the penalties involved, but we are very anxious that the regulations should be strictly enforced.

asked the Minister of Transport what review of transport requirements he is undertaking in the Highlands and north-east of Scotland.

I keep these requirements under constant review in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. In doing so, we have the benefit of the advice of the Highland Transport Board and of the Scottish Economic Planning Council.

In view of the extensive and rapid development of winter sports and the many more people coming into the Highlands during the winter as a result, will the right hon. Gentleman review the position in the light of the changing conditions because of the difficulties of travelling in winter?

I am not very sure what the hon. Gentleman asks me to review. Some of these matters which he wants me to take into account are no doubt the responsibility of the Secretary of State, but together we do our best to ensure that adequate provision is made for the tourists referred to by the hon. Gentleman.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the frequency of the transport services is of great importance not only for the purpose of feeding the hungry people in the south of this island but also for the purpose of assisting the development of trade, industry, commerce and employment in north-east Scotland?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied with the present financial position of municipal transport undertakings; and what proposals he has to ease the situation.

I am aware of the present difficulties of bus undertakings, including municipal transport. We are already giving help by taxation relief. My general policy is to achieve a better balance between public and private transport in the towns.

Will my right hon. Friend agree that most of the municipal transport undertakings in the country are experiencing severe financial difficulties and that these are increasing year by year? Will he agree that this can only result in either an increase in fares or an inferior service? Does he not agree that the position of transport undertakings must be looked at very closely because they are essential to the well-being of the nation?

Yes, Sir; the municipal passenger transport undertakings are meeting increasing difficulties, as are other companies which provide these services. These are matters which are at the present time receiving very close attention from the Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what concessionary fares are costing the Government in taxation relief?

I do not think that concessionary fares cost the Government anything at all in taxation relief.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he will take to stop the issue of driving licences to drivers suffering from bad sight or severe physical disabilities which might impair their driving or make them liable to affect the safety of other road users.

I have no evidence that the measures already in force are inadequate. The Road Research Laboratory is studying the relationship between health and road accidents and the position will be reviewed when the study is complete.

Would my right hon. Friend comment to the House on the recent correspondence that I have had with him on this subject?

Not in answer to the Question. I really cannot add to what I have just said.

In any review of the subject which the right hon. Gentleman may undertake, may I ask him to bear in mind the interests of the disabled drivers, who, by and large, are among the safest and most closely controlled class of drivers in the community?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport how many goods transport vehicles have been examined under the spot check scheme; how many were found to be defective; how many were found to be dangerous and taken off the road immediately; and what percentages of these figures are in the public sector and the private sector, respectively.

In the 12 months ending 30th September, 1965, 139,428 vehicles were examined. 64,335 were found to be defective in some respect and of these 14,017 were the subject of prohibition notices with immediate effect. The records do not distinguish between vehicles owned by private firms and public bodies.

Is not my right hon. Friend shocked by these figures? Will he not agree that they show that nearly 50 per cent. of vehicles examined are potential lethal weapons on the road? Will he take such steps as are within his power to ensure that at least the public sector toes the line, and state his intentions as Minister to ensure that these vehicles are quickly brought into line and either taken off the road or put into a fit condition?

I have already informed the House that I intend to bring forward legislation at a very early date which will enable me better to deal with defective lorries. I shall provide for the annual testing of lorries, for which there is no provision at the moment, and for the plating of lorries, which will impose a load limit beyond which it will be an offence to overload a lorry. In this and other ways—by means of regulations dealing with braking efficiency and so on—I am doing all I can to deal with the manace of the lorries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are adequate powers under the 1960 Act dealing with road traffic for the licensing authorities to give revocation and prohibition orders in these cases, and what steps is he taking to ensure that the licensing authorities use the powers which they already have?

The licensing authorities are using the powers which they already have, but I was asked whether I might take more powers so that I might do more.

When considering legislation on this matter, will my right hon. Friend always remember that sometimes the owner of the vehicle is the unfortunate victim of bad service?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take to keep defective goods vehicles off the roads, in view of the recent evidence of his inspectors' checks on such vehicles using roads in Northumberland and Durham.

We are developing plans for the annual testing of the heavier classes of lorries. Meanwhile our examiners are continuing their checks. Action in relation to carriers' licences is the responsibility of the Licensing Authorities. In the Northern Traffic Area 76 vehicles were suspended from carriers' licences during the 12 months ending 30th September, 1965, following offences against safety regulations.

Is my hon. Friend aware that when his inspectors recently checked heavy goods vehicles in Northumberland and Durham more than 40 per cent. were found to be defective? Can he confirm statements in the local Press that when traffic commissioners revoke the licences of these cheeseparing companies the appeals tribunals give them back by return of post?

I have no information about that, but I shall certainly investigate it, because we want to get better enforcement. Perhaps I might tell my hon. Friend that in this area proceedings have been taken in 461 cases, and there have been 457 convictions.

asked the Minister of Transport what reports he has received about the successful use of after-burners for the elimination of diesel fumes from heavy road vehicles; and whether he will inquire into the action taken by the Californian State Legislature, with a view to similar action in this country.

We are advised that proper maintenance and adjustment is a better means of preventing smoke from diesel engines than the use of afterburners.

We have no information at present about legislation in respect of afterburners on diesel engines in California, but we are making inquiries.

I thank my hon. Friend for that Answer. is he aware that the legislation proposed in California is to cover not only diesel but petrol fumes from ordinary motor cars? Is he aware that a number of European countries are getting effective results with diesel fumes by imposing suitable penalties on the owners of vehicles which are not properly maintained?

Yes, Sir. We are aware of the methods being used on petrol engines in California, but we have not yet received information about the legislation. We are preparing a British Standard for diesel engines and in the testing scheme for goods vehicles checks on smoke from diesel fumes will be included.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give publicity to the fact that a driver in the outside lane in a 40 miles per hour restricted area who is driving at 40 miles per hour has no legal obligation to move out of that lane to enable another driver to overtake him.

In practice motorists should observe the Highway Code and keep to the left except when overtaking and turning to the right. It is relevant that fire-engines, ambulances and police cars are not, in general, subject to speed limits. The legal position is broadly as stated by the hon. Member.

I am seeking information and I am grateful for that answer. When going down to London Airport, for example, on a dual carriageway, when there is a car behind flashing and tooting, although one is going at the correct speed limit for that road, should one draw over to the left and allow the following car to pass? If so, is not one then conniving at the breaking of the law?

There is no legal obligation, but we hope that all drivers will drive in a manner which will avoid accidents and dangers on the road.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a major problem is involved here and that it will become even more acute with the proposed 70 m.p.h. limit and may well require special attention by the Minister if there is not to be the most extraordinary congestion on three-lane roads?

Yes, Sir. But speed limits have been in operation in this country for a very long time and it is for drivers not only to observe the law of the land, but to exercise common sense in their driving.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what plans he has for a review of highway speed limits; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what steps he intends to take to improve observance by drivers of highway speed limits.

Speed limits are under constant review to ensure as far as possible that they are realistic. Possible future developments include the introduction of differential speed limits, which I now have under consideration. The results of the forthcoming trial of a 70 m.p.h. general limit will be reviewed as fully as possible before the experiment ends, and they will be taken into account when I decide, next Easter, on the measures to be adopted later in the year.

The importance of observing speed limits continues to be stressed in the Highway Code and in road safety publicity issued by the Ministry and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Enforcement is of course a matter for the police, and I am sure that, within the limits of their present resources this essential task receives every possible attention.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his comprehensive reply. As the speed limit is probably the most effective road safety measure ever introduced, provided that its imposition is correctly applied, and as it loses its effect the more speed limits are imposed and the less they are enforced, will the right hon. Gentleman consider an urgent review of the 30 m.p.h. and 40 m.p.h. limits with a view to drastically reducing their number together with more effective enforcement by more mobile police? Is not the reduction of the number of pedestrian crossings a very good prototype in this respect? Will the right hon. Gentleman please consider this suggestion?

I must not mislead the House. I have no intention of greatly reducing the number of 30 m.p.h. and 40 m.p.h. speed limits. I would have thought that most hon. Members would recognise that that would make no contribution to road safety.

Has my right hon. Friend anything further to say on the question of minimum speed limits on motorways?

I cannot say anything at this stage except that I will consider this along with other suggestions when I review the results of the general 70 m.p.h. limit which I announced last week.

Will the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the fewer the speed limits the more easily they can be enforced? There is no point in adhering to a policy that speed limits have a virtue in themselves unless they are strictly relevant to the conditions to which they apply. Will the right hon. Gentleman make clear the position about the 70 m.p.h. limit? It seems to me, from my contacts with the Press, that, at the Press conference last week, he gave the impression that it was his opinion that the limit was permanent. Will he make it clear now that it is only a four months' experiment?

Order. The right hon. Member for Rushcliffe (Sir M. Redmayne) should frame his supplementary questions more concisely.

The 70 m.p.h. speed limit is an experiment. I made this clear at my Press conference. I also said that I would review the whole situation before the end of that period. I think that the police do all they can to enforce the existing speed limits. It would be monstrous a t this time if we were greatly to reduce the mileage of roads subject to the 30 and 40 m.p.h. limits.

Since my right hon. Friend has legislation in mind, will he consult the Home Secretary with a view to having a separate traffic police force and separate courts for dealing with motoring offences? Is my right hon. Friend aware that continual legislation without real enforcement is a farce and that it is time we had real enforcement and deterrence in the courts?

I did not make my announcement last week without consulting my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary and having a conference with a great many of the chief constables concerned. Enforcement is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend, so my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham, East (Mr. Mapp) should address that supplementary question to him.

asked the Minister of Transport when new vehicle lighting regulations will be made.

My right hon. Friend has set up a working party with representatives of manufacturers, users, road safety organisations and the police to consider current problems of vehicle lighting and to review the regulations. The working party will make recommendations on specific aspects of lighting as soon as it is able to reach conclusions.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the Ministry is years behind other countries in making regulations and that it is quite legal for a vehicle to drive at 70 m.p.h. without having more than parking lights on? Is it not time that something was done about it?

I do not agree with what the hon. Gentleman says. We have been having discussions with the manufacturers and others about lighting, however. New regulations regarding certain vehicles and a heavy goods testing scheme will be introduced shortly and we hope to announce new decisions on the subject.

asked the Minister of Transport what time elapses before a learner-driver, who has failed one test, may take another; and what at present is the average actual lapse in such cases in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

The prescribed minimum period is one month. At present in the West Riding the average actual waiting period is about 15 weeks.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider giving priority for the second test to those who have been professionally taught to drive, since it is clearly in the public interest that professional instruction should be undertaken by learners?

I do not think that this would be fair to those who had already been given a date. If someone failed a test and was then given a place in the queue ahead of a person already in the queue that would be unfair, and I do not think it can be done.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to ensure that the safety standard for vehicles used for carrying squads of workers to farms are equal to those for public service vehicles.

All vehicles are subject to the Construction and Use Regulations, which prohibit the carriage of passengers in a dangerous manner. We have no evidence to suggest that additional requirements are needed for vehicles used to carry farm workers, but if my hon. Friend has any we will certainly consider it.

Is my hon. Friend aware that recently in Dundee four people died when they were being transported on a lorry for this type of work? Is he aware that this is a common practice in our part of the country and will he now look to see if it is illegal and if steps can be taken to see that the law is enforced?

Yes, Sir. I will investigate it.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to make red lights obligatory on the sides of articulated trailers 30 ft. in length and over.

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1964 already require such trailers to be fitted with side marker lamps showing white light to the front and red light to the rear.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to consider the enforcement of these Regulations? This matter was brought to my attention by the widow of a constituent killed when his vehicle collided with the side of a lorry. Is the Minister aware that lorries coming on to main roads constitute a danger when they are inadequately lit?

I will certainly take note of what my hon. Friend has said.

Is the Minister aware that the vast number of Questions on the Order Paper to him regarding road safety shows the great anxiety felt by the whole House on this subject? Is he aware that we hope that the Bill, when it is presented, will be thoroughly comprehensive? Will he tell us when it will be presented?

I hope to introduce the Bill at an early date. It will not be a thoroughly comprehensive Bill.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has now been made in the discussions between his Depart- ment and the Motor Insurers' Bureau relating to the responsibility for damages suffered by those who have claims against hit-and-run drivers; whether the Bureau is now prepared to refer such applications to an independent tribunal or make their decisions subject to an appeal in the courts; and whether he will make a statement.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now make a statement on the progress of negotiations that have been proceeding with a view to the revision and improvement of the current agreement with the Motor Insurers' Bureau.

Our consultations with the Motor Insurers' Bureau are progressing favourably. The Bureau has been very co-operative in making detailed constructive suggestions in response to those which we put to them, and these are being examined. They need very careful consideration, and although we cannot at this stage forecast when negotiations will be concluded, there will be no avoidable delay.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary note that he has not given any indication in his reply as to whether the negotiations are leading to the possibility of an independent tribunal for appellant jurisdiction? In view of the fact that there is widespread dissatisfaction at the operation of the existing system, will he impress upon the Motor Insurers' Bureau that if it believes that all is fair on its part, there can be nothing wrong in it submitting to people outside the insurance world for decisions?

The negotiations are principally about establishing a method of appeal. There are a number of other questions and as soon as we can report upon them we will do so.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it is now some nine months since his right hon. Friend told me that this problem was being looked at with the Motor Insurers' Bureau? Is he further aware that in half a dozen States of Australia and in New Zealand, it has been quite simply solved by making provision for the Motor Insurers' Bureau, or its equivalent, to be declared a nominal defendant in proceedings in court, so that the injured party can have the satisfaction of an independent determination of his claim to compensation?

That is one of the proposals which we are considering. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that there is more than one side to the negotiations, which we are pursuing as rapidly as we can.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to restrict the transport by road of exceptional loads to the hours between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The police, who are best able to take account of all the relevant local conditions, control the timing of the movements of such loads. We do not feel justified in seeking to alter these arrangements.

Is my hon. Friend aware that these exceptional loads are a daily occurrence on the roads to the North-West, making their way from various works to the ports of Liverpool and Manchester? Is he further aware that the maximum speed of many of these vehicles is 15 m.p.h., and that as a consequence hundreds of vehicles are limited to the same speed? Is it not time that somebody did something about this?

This matter is left to the discretion of chief constables, and if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I suggest that he takes it up with the chief constable concerned. If there is anything further that we can do, we will certainly assist, but it is a matter that depends a lot on local circumstances.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the present composition of the Port of London Authority; and what proposals he has received for its reform from the National Ports Council or from other bodies.

The Authority is composed. of 29 members, representative of all the main interests in the port. I have not as yet received any proposals for reform of the constitution of the port, but the National Ports Council and the Authority are at present discussing the matter.

In view of that reply, will my right hon. Friend take the opportunity of drawing to the attention of the Port of London Authority the view of the Rochdale Committee that the majority of members of a port authority should not be drawn from people who are regular payers of rates and dues, which is the case in the Port of London Authority today?

The Chairman of the Rochdale Committee was Lord Rochdale, who is also Chairman of the National Ports Council, and he is having consultations with the Port of London Authority at the present time.

Would my right hon. Friend undertake that in any wider review which takes place of the working of the London Docks not only the composition but also the terms of reference, functions and powers of the Port of London Authority will be subject to examination?

My hon. Friend has directed his Question to the Port of London Authority, but he has raised a question which the Government must look at in a wider context, and that we are doing.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he is aware of public concern at the inadequacy of the law to protect the rights of privacy of individuals; whether he is aware that technical devices now on sale, such as micro-bug transmitters, constitute an invasion of the privacy of the citizen; and whether, in view of present ambiguities concerning remedies for infringement of privacy, he will cause the Law Commissioners to review the existing law.

I am aware that the devices to which the hon. Member refers do facilitate the invasion of other people's privacy and that there is anxiety about their use. I have discussed the matter with the Postmaster-General who is considering what steps could most suitably be taken to strengthen the existing safeguards.

Any proposal to create a general statutory right to privacy would raise wide and controversial issues, including the liberty of the Press. This factor might make it a difficult subject for the Law Commission to examine. The Commission already has a very full programme.

Is the Minister aware that in the United States, where the right of privacy law has been developed by case law and statute, it has become possible to weaken and make more elastic the law of libel as is desired, quite rightly, by the Press here? Is he aware that this is precisely because the law regarding privacy has been more developed there? Is he also aware that it is surely unsatisfactory that this right of privacy should be resolved as a technical matter by the Postmaster-General? This touches upon fundamental rights, and when devices are in existence which can lead to blackmail as well as to eavesdropping, would he not agree that there is a real necessity to get at the fundamentals of the law?

My hon. Friend bas referred to two different matters. The subject of the so-called micro-bugs is receiving the close attention of my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General, who will be answering Questions about that shortly. With regard to the wider question, I am aware that in certain States of the United States a law of privacy has been evolved by the empirical method of judicial decision. I am also aware of the close relation between the right of privacy and the law of libel and, as my hon. Friend knows, this matter was considered by the Porter Commission on the law of defamation which reported a few years ago. It pointed out great difficulties in formulating and extending the definition of libel in a way which, while effective to restrain any improper invasion of privacy, would, at the same time, not interfere with the due reporting of actions of public interest.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is totally illegal to operate a radio transmitter, even a micro-powered one, without a licence from the Postmaster-General? Can he make it clear to anyone manufacturing or marketing this equipment, that people who buy it would be operating outside the law unless they obtained a licence, and that prosecutions would immediately follow?

I think it is important that it should be generally known that it is an offence for anyone to use one of the devices without a licence from the Postmaster-General.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the proposed service of liner trains between Glasgow and London.

Freightliners have been running experimentally between Glasgow and London for some weeks. Since 15th November, a limited amount of traffic has been carried on behalf of customers. It is the Railways Board's intention in due course to introduce a full commercial service, and I should like to take this opportunity of reaffirming the Government's full support for the Board's policy of opening the terminals of these services to all categories of road haulage vehicles.

Is the Minister doing all he can to bring this service into full operation, as a faster and more reliable freight service would make a great difference to trade and industry in Scotland, especially in exports?

Yes, I am.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the state of his discussions with the unions regarding the liner train projects.

Earlier this year I explained to representatives o0066 the rail-waymen's unions the importance the Government attach to the success of liner trains as part of the railway modernisation programme. The operation of liner trains was also among the matters I discussed recently with representatives of the road transport unions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman impress as hard as he can on the unions that it is essential that there should be free access by all types of hauliers to these liner trains if the business is to be brought to the railway system and it is to be made viable?

I do not think that anyone anywhere is in any doubt about the Government's policy in this matter.

In view of the success of this experiment of running liner trains with the Railways Board's own collection and delivery staff, will my right hon. Friend be more insistent with the Board to allow it to continue the policy of quoting through rates so that it can use its own road services for collection?

The Railways Board quotes through rates, but from its market research it is satisfied that 70 per cent. of the traffic which it will carry on liner trains is at present carried by professional road hauliers.

asked the Minister of Transport what expenditure he has sanctioned at liner train depôts.

Of the £6 million so far authorised for the first 15 routes of the liner train project, £2½ million is for the adaptation and equipment of terminals.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage of the traffic on liner trains is ballast, and for how long this high percentage of ballast is going to be taken on these trains? Will he forcefully make it known to the unions that unless there is free access for private hauliers they will be a loss and the money spent on them will be wasted?

The object of carrying ballast on the liner trains is to prove the trains and not just to make up weight in place of merchandise which they would otherwise be carrying. The Railways Board is having discussions with the consignors of traffic and it is for the Board to agree with its customers when the liner trains should be in full operation.

asked the Minister of Transport if, with a view to dealing with emergencies, he will give a general direction to British Railways to provide telecommunications on long-distance trains; and if he will make a statement.