§ 28. Commander MARSDENasked the Minister of Transport whether he intends to introduce new legislation for the purpose of reducing the number of accidents resulting in death or injury caused by vehicles and horses in streets, roads, and public places?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Pybus)I have no present intention of introducing fresh legislation, particularly as the question was so recently and so prominently before Parham-lent in connection with the passing of the Road Traffic Act, 1930. I am, however, in frequent consultation with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary as to the best means of reducing accidents, whether by enforcement of the law or otherwise.
§ Commander MARSDENMay I put the question in this way. It is admitted that the existing laws are fairly and impartially administered, but does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that by the results and returns from the Home Office these rules and regulations have shown themselves to be quite inadequate to reduce the terrible number of daily accidents resulting in disablement, injury, and death?
§ Mr. PYBUSI am not satisfied that the present legislation is inadequate, and for that reason I do not propose to introduce fresh legislation at the moment.
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELHow long does the hon. Member think the public is going to tolerate 20 people being killed daily on the roads, and nothing being done?
§ Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs the Department conducting any research into the causes of these accidents, such as worn-out tyres?
§ Mr. PYBUSWe are watching this matter with the gravest attention, and we shall leave nothing undone that can be done to reduce the number of accidents.