§ 34. Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to collate, within the limits of his power, local efforts to promote road safety and to relate them more clcsely to the general policy of his Ministry?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have decided, as an experimental measure, to appoint in each division under the divisional road engineer a special officer charged with certain duties in regard to road accidents. It will be his function to study the conditions in his area, sit on any local safety committees and generally take such action as may be possible to stimulate local interest in safety problems. He will, of course, examine all accident reports and all accident statistics and, under the general direction of the divisional road engineer, confer with local or police authorities and other bodies with a view to reducing the present risks and dangers.
Viscountess ASTORDoes not my right hon. Friend think that if he reduced the number of taverns selling drinks on the high road, it would be one of the quickest ways of reducing road accidents?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe short answer is that I have no power to reduce the taverns.
Viscountess ASTORIf the right hon. Gentleman were keen about these accidents, *as he seems to be, could he not, with his gift of publicity, make it possible for the country to know what these taverns are costing in child life?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENDoes not the right hon. Gentleman know that if the taverns were reduced, the men would then carry bottles?
Mr. ALEXANDERWill the right hon. Gentleman call for a report as to the confusion of the neon signs with regard to road traffic lights?