61. Mr. ERSKINEasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the continuance of motor accidents in Chester Square and Belgrave Square, and what steps does he propose taking to minimise them?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE to the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)I have been asked to reply to this question. No serious accidents and only six slight accidents (four in Belgrave Square and two in Chester Square) were reported to the police during the quarter ending on 19th instant. I may add that additional refuges have recently been erected at Belgrave Square and the street illumination has also been improved. I do not think the figures I have quoted suggest the need for any special action on the part of the police.
Mr. ERSKINEIs it intended to make them permanent? At present they are only temporary, and they are not very sightly.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThey are not very sightly for the moment, but if they have the effect which the hon. Member and I hope they will have, in completely doing away with accidents, they will be made permanent.
Mr. ERSKINEHas the right hon. Gentleman heard of one accident which occurred four clays ago, a serious one?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSFour days ago was after the hon. Member had put down his question. I got the information up to the date of his question.
§ Lord APSLEYHave any of the police who used to be on duty there been with-drawn?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSHonestly, I cannot answer that question without notice.