HC Deb 21 July 1937 vol 326 cc2205-6
62. Mr. J. J. Davidson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has made further inquiries with regard to the increase of road fatalities in the Maryhill Division of Glasgow; and whether he has any statement to make?

Mr. Burgin

I have made detailed inquiries into the road accidents in the Maryhill Division of Glasgow. I do not find there has been an increase of accidents, as the hon. Member suggests; on the contrary, the number for the first six months of the year shows a welcome diminution as compared with the three previous years. Of the five fatal accidents to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member on 14th July, four occurred on Maryhill Road and were due to children running across the road or running from behind vehicles. The question of safety measures on this road is being actively pursued; traffic islands, halt signs, and pedestrian crossings have been or are being provided. From his knowledge of the road, the hon. Member will realise that the erection of continuous guard rails would present serious practical difficulties. Sustained propaganda among parents and children alike probably offers the best prospect of reducing accidents here, but I am keeping the whole matter under my personal observation.

Mr. Davidson

Does the Minister's reply indicate that his letter to me stating that there had unfortunately been an increase only last week was wrong, and is he aware that in 1934 there were only five killed in the whole of the area and that his figures show five killed for six months of 1937?

Mr. Burgin

It is a mistake to imagine that if five fatal accidents have occurred in six months there will be 10 fatal accidents in 12 months. I think the hon. Member is drawing a wrong conclusion from certain admitted statistics.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Minister not aware that in 1934 five were killed; in 1935 seven were killed; and in 1936 10 were killed in this area, and is not my assumption of an increase not based upon the figures of the Ministry of Transport?

Mr. Burgin

In 1934 the total accidents were 414, and in 1937, for the first six months, they numbered 154.

Mr. Davidson

My question referred to fatal accidents.