asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether there is any compulsion on pedestrians to obey the traffic lights; and, if not, whether he is, in the interests of public safety, prepared to make and enforce a regulation to this effect?

The answer to both parts of the Question is, "No, Sir," although, in the interests of their own safety and good road behaviour, pedestrians should not cross against the lights.

Why is there this discrimination between motorists and pedestrians in regard to compulsion, since the safety of both is involved?

It is very difficult to apply compulsion to pedestrians. In many cases they cannot see which way the light is shining when they cross the road.