HC Deb 20 December 1937 vol 330 cc1611-2
72. Sir Gifford Fox

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a report presented by the county surveyor of Oxfordshire to the county council on four years fatal accidents on the roads in Oxfordshire, showing that a special investigation was made of the design and condition of the roads at the spot where each accident occurred; whether, as a result of this investigation, attention was drawn to many road defects which have since been removed; and whether he will suggest to other county councils that similar action should be taken by their respective surveyors with the object of reducing the risk of serious road accidents?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)

My right hon. Friend has studied with interest reports of the investigations which have been carried out in Oxfordshire with regard to fatal accidents on the roads in that county. A memorandum on the layout and construction of roads issued by my Department in January, 1937, drew the attention of highway authorities to measures which should be undertaken for enhancing public safety on roads and for reducing the number of accidents. Accident officers have been attached to each of the engineering divisional offices for the purpose of investigating accidents and cooperating with highway authorities and the police in measures for their prevention.

Sir G. Fox

Is the Minister aware that where these roads have been improved fatal accidents have dropped to at least half the previous figure?

Captain Hudson

I am afraid that the answer which was given by my right hon. Friend last week shows that the number of fatal accidents in Oxfordshire has gone up and not down.

Sir G. Fox

But is the Minister aware that these fatal accidents did not take place at the places where road improvements have been made as a result of this investigation?

Captain Sir William Brass

In view of this very valuable report by the surveyor of the Oxfordshire County Council, has the Ministry sent any officer there to investigate conditions?

Captain Hudson

I should require notice of that question.