§ 15. Mr. MABANEasked Vile Home Secretary the ratio of the number of persons killed and injured on the roads in 1931 to the number of persons killed and injured on the railways in the same year; and whether, in view of the number of accidents on the roads, he will undertake to institute an immediate campaign to make the roads safe for the public?
Mr. STANLEYThe number of persons in Great Britain killed in street accidents caused by horses and vehicles was 6,691, and -the number killed on the railways was 339. The numbers injured were 202,119 and 22,888. The figures relating to the railways do not include trespassers and suicides. As regards the latter part of the question, efforts are constantly being made to secure a reduction of the accident rate on roads by inculcating a higher standard of care and consideration by all road users, if necessary by proceedings against offenders, and by an analysis of the circumstances in which accidents occur with a view to their prevention.
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIs it not now becoming quite clear that much of this traffic, particularly the heavy traffic, now on the roads is not suitable for the roads, and ought to go on the railways?