§ 25. Major Milnerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that military vehicles were involved in 526 out of 4,575 road accidents occurring in the West Riding since the outbreak of war up to a recent date; that there are serious complaints as to the driving of such vehicles in the area; and whether he will consider as an alternative to present methods the grant of certificates or other awards to drivers who are accident-free over a period as has been done under the aegis of the Safety First Council for civilian drivers with beneficial results?
§ Captain MargessonAs I have indicated on previous occasions, I have been giving serious consideration to the question of reducing the number of traffic accidents in which Army vehicles are involved. Strict instructions emphasising the responsibilities of War Department drivers and the penalties to which offenders are liable have recently been issued, and I would therefore prefer to see if these warnings result in any improvement before pursuing the adoption of a system of awards of certificates to accident-free drivers. But 842 I will certainly bear my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion in mind.