§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increase in the number of road accidents, he has considered any special steps to ensure that his Department is supplied with the fullest information in each case in respect to the condition of the mechanical equipment; and what precautionary measures are taken by licensing authorities to see that periodical tests are made of passenger-carrying vehicles?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONSo far as the London traffic area is concerned, provision is made for inquiries into road accidents under Section 12 of the London Traffic Act, and the extension of somewhat similar powers to the rest of the country is under consideration. With regard to the last part of the question, the practice of licensing authorities varies widely, and, as the hon. Member is probably aware, I intend, as soon as possible, to introduce legislation for the better regulation of public service vehicles.
§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the number of people who in recent accidents to public-service vehicles have been injured by broken glass; and whether he will consider the advisability of legislation to compel the various tramway and omnibus authorities to use a non-splinterable window?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONI have no reason to believe that there has been any substantial increase in the proportion of accidents of this kind. I 975W am anxious to encourage the use of some satisfactory form of non-splinterable glass in all passenger-carrying vehicles, but I am advised that, for reasons of cost, it would not be practicable to impose conditions regarding its use.