§ 22. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to an accident which happened on Handcross Hill, on the Brighton Road, on Saturday, 25th June, in which the steering gear of a motor coach gave way and the brakes refused to act, causing several serious injuries; whether he has received any reports from the inspectors of his Department on this accident; and will he consider the introduction of legislation that will ensure public conveyances of this kind being periodically examined?
§ Colonel ASHLEYMy attention has been drawn to the accident referred to by the hon. Member, and I am obtaining a report on it from one of my officers. The draft Road Traffic Bill which I circulated some time ago provides for an original certification and for periodical examination of public service vehicles.
§ Colonel DAYIn view of the large number of accidents, cannot the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices with the Prime Minister to see that facilities are given to get that Bill through more quickly?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do the state of public business, and the difficulty of keeping Members in August.
§ 24. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any information regarding the motor accident which took place last week on the Cobham Road where 15 persons were injured; and the time that elapsed before the injured persons received any treatment?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Captain Hacking)I have been asked to reply to 1082 this question. I have seen a full report from the police on the accident, but, as the coroner's inquest is still proceeding, I think it will be better for me to refrain from making any statement.
§ Mr. RAMSDENIf I put the question down again in a week's time, will my hon. and gallant Friend be able to give the information?
§ Captain HACKINGI hope so, if the proceedings have terminated.