HC Deb 21 June 1932 vol 267 cc911-2
34. Mr. GROVES

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the increasing danger to school children in crossing roads when returning home from school; whether he will arrange with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to station constables at all high road crossings; and if he will confer with the President of the Board of Education in order to arrange with local education authorities that infant school children shall be conducted by teachers, after school hours, to the constable on duty at the road-crossing in order that they can be safely escorted across the roads?

Mr. STANLEY

My right hon. Friend does not think it would be practicable, with the existing man power, to station constables at all high road crossings, and it is desired, if possible, to limit the claims made on the time of the police for duties of this kind. But he will certainly confer with the Commissioner of Police and the President of the Board of Education on the question generally.

Commander MARSDEN

Will the Government not follow the example of many of our Dominions and give authority to the school teachers to control crossings near schools at a reasonable time before the opening and after the closing of the schools?

Mr. STANLEY

That might be one of the subjects discussed on the Board of Education vote.

Commander MARSDEN

Does the hon. Member realise that this question of safety at road crossings is handed from the Prime Minister to the Secretaries of State of various Departments, who are trying to put the baby on the other one?

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