asked the Minister of Transport whether he will impose, by order, a uniform 20 miles per hour speed limit for all vehicles during the hours of darkness in all built-up and urban areas?

To those who drive with any regard to their own safety or that of others, black-out conditions in themselves impose severe restrictions on speed. If any person drives at a speed which is dangerous in all the circumstances, he can be convicted of dangerous driving, and I should prefer to rely on these provisions rather than upon a reduced general limit of speed.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that there is great danger at the present time, because a great many drivers are not driving with the care which he has indicated?

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. All I say is that I do not think the imposition of a general limit of 20 miles an hour in built-up areas would achieve the object we both have in mind.

Does not the right hon. and gallant Member think that in many black-out areas 20 miles an hour would be a very dangerous speed?

I think it is far better to deal with it in the way I have suggested.