HC Deb 13 December 1939 vol 355 cc1181-2
27. Mr. Leach

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will impose a 15 miles per hour speed limit during the black-out hours in order to reduce road casualties?

The Minister of Transport (Captain Wallace)

I am riot convinced that the object which the hon. Member has in view, and with which I am, of course, in cordial agreement, would necessarily be achieved by the imposition of a reduced speed limit, but my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security and I are taking steps to review this and any other measure which may be considered as likely to lead to a reduction of road casualties during the black-out period.

Mr. Leach

In view of the general chorus from the motorists behind the right hon. and gallant Gentleman when he gave the first part of his answer, what proposition is he prepared to make in order o reduce the road casualties, which are heavily on the increase?

Captain Wallace

I am prepared to take any practical step which I am assured will achieve the object desired, and on the day when I become convinced that a proposal of this kind will achieve the object that we have in view, I shall be prepared to recommend it.

Mr. Leach

Having rejected mine, what is yours?

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Would not the Minster make it compulsory for pedestrians not to use the crossings against the traffic lights?

Captain Wallace

That is a different question. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put it down.

31. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Transport the number of road accidents in Glasgow in which intemperance has been a primary or contributory factor?

Captain Wallace

The information asked for by the hon. Member is not available, and I regret that I am unable to add anything to the answer which I gave him on 15th November.

Mr. Davidson

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Glasgow local authorities are making an applica- tion for restrictions based on alleged intemperance and have submitted figures, and does he not think he ought to submit figures to the Members of this House in order that they may understand the position clearly?

Captain Wallace

I know from the Press that there is considerable controversy going on in the city of Glasgow over this question, but, as I explained to the hon. Member on 15th November, it has not been possible to ask the police to make a detailed investigation into causes of accidents which alone would enable me to give the House the figures asked for.

Mr. Davidson

Is it not on record in the police courts whether or not intemperance has been a factor in regard to accidents, and will not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman get the information, in view of the controversy that affects Glasgow Members of this House?

Captain Wallace

I can certainly ask my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to give me the information from the police courts as to the cases where it is on record, but I do not believe that that would be anything like a complete answer to the hon. Member's question.

Sir Francis Fremantle

Is it not perfectly clear from all the medical surroundings that this is a very serious cause of accidents?