HC Deb 23 June 1925 vol 185 cc1289-90
37. Major GLYN

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents to mechanical road vehicles, licensed to carry passengers, have been reported to his Department from the 1st January to the 1st June, 1925, and how does this compare with 1924; how many passengers were injured in these accidents and how many were killed or died of their injuries; and what proportion of these accidents happened in the Metropolitan area, these figures in every case to exclude persons killed or injured who were not passengers in the vehicles involved in these accidents?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)

I have been asked to reply. I regret that I am not able to give the information specified. I have no later figures for the country generally than those published in the Return of Accidents for 1924, which shows the street accidents in each police district. I will send the hon. and gallant Member a copy.

43. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the recent char-a-banc accident at Castle Hill, Dover, in connection with which two deaths have occurred; whether he is aware that the jury expressed an opinion that the state of the road was a contributory cause of the accident; and whether he will cause immediate inquiry in order to effect the necessary road improvements?

Colonel ASHLEY

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, I am awaiting a report from one of my officers whom I instructed to investigate the road conditions.

60. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the many motor omnibus and char-a-banc accidents taking place throughout the country, whether he proposes to introduce legislation during the present Session giving local authorities powers of inspection of these vehicles?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am now considering the recommendations made in the First Interim Report of the Departmental Committee on the Licensing and Regulation of Public Service Vehicles with a view to introducing legislation as indicated in the Gracious Speech from the Throne, but I am unable at this stage, to give the hon. Member information regarding either the precise terms of the proposed Measure or the date on which it will be possible to introduce the Bill.

Mr. MORRISON

Does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate whether it will be in this Session or the Autumn?

Colonel ASHLEY

That question would be appropriately addressed to my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury.