HC Deb 22 March 1944 vol 398 c849
62. Mr. Granville

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the road casualties for February and the figures of casualties incurred during the hours of blackout, respectively.

Mr. Noel-Baker

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Granville

Can my hon. Friend say whether the figures represent an increase for January or a decrease?

Mr. Noel-Baker

They are roughly the same.

Mr. Granville

In view of the fact that these perfectly dreadful figures represent something comparable with the military casualties in the war, cannot the hon. Gentleman do something far more effective than he has done, particularly in the black-out hours?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I do not think that in war time we can do more. I give constant attention to the subject. We are preparing a comprehensive programme for the end of the war, when we shall have the labour and materials required.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the hon. Gentleman recommend to the Home Secretary better street lighting from a central control?

Following are the figures:

The numbers of persons killed and injured on the roads during the month of February, 1944, are as follows:

— Killed. Injured. Total Persons killed and injured.
Seriously. Slightly.
Blackout 232 946 2,053 3,231
Daylight 313 1,469 4,515 6,297
Total 545 2,413 6,568 9,528