HC Deb 22 January 1941 vol 368 cc157-8
21. Sir A. Maitland

asked the Minister of Transport how many members of His Majesty's Forces were involved in road accidents for the month of October, 1940, or for a similar period later for which information may be available?

22. Mr. Brooke

asked the Minister of Transport whether any large proportion of the 1,313 road fatalities in December was due to accidents in which military vehicles were implicated?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

Such information as is available on the points raised by my hon. Friends relates only to the Metropolitan Police District and to the month of December. Any general deductions from such figures as I have would be likely to Mislead and their publication would therefore be premature.

Mr. Leach

Do not those figures favour the idea that pedestrians are habitually committing suicide?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

It is a matter of opinion whether it is manslaughter or suicide, but figures and curves are very dangerous things.

Sir A. Maitland

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman remember promising to obtain figures for me with regard to October some seven or eight weeks ago?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I was more anxious to get the figures than anyone, but it is not wholly within my province.

Sir A. Maitland

If I put down a Question in a few weeks' time, will my right hon. and gallant Friend be able to give me further information?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore - Brabazon

I should like to be pressed as much as possible.