§ 50. Sir GIFFORD FOX (for Captain WATERHOUSE)asked the Minister of Transport whether there has been any decrease in the number of fatal road accidents since the practice of publishing monthly returns was initiated?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mt. Hore-Belisha)I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the weekly records of persons killed or injured in road accidents which have been obtained since the middle of March. I regret that the most recent returns have shown an increase in the number of accidents, but while I do not wish to detract from 764 the seriousness of the situation it must be borne in mind, in comparing the figures for successive weeks, that there is now a seasonal increase in the amount of traffic on the roads combined with an increase in the number of new registrations.
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSCan the hon. Member say why these returns are published without any details whatsoever of how the accidents happened?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThey have been published every week. If there be any suggestion for improvement, I shall be glad to receive it.
§ Sir W. BRASSWill the hon. Member consider publishing the details of how the accidents occur?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIf that be practicable, I shall be glad to consider it.