§ 6. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that one of the main factors contributing to the increase in motor-vehicle accidents in London is the state of the road surface; and what steps he is taking to insure the speedy repair and modernisation of all the main-road surfaces in London.
§ Mr. BarnesI have no evidence to this effect. The figures of road accidents in London involving death or personal injury have decreased over the last three years. Responsibility for the repair and modernisation of London streets rests with the Metropolitan borough councils and the Common Council of the City of London.
§ Mr. PiratinAs far as accidents are concerned, does not the Minister recall that the figures he gave last week show that the number of accidents to motor vehicles is increasing? As far as the state of the roads is concerned, is he aware that different Metropolitan borough councils seem to have different standards, and will he give special attention to the road leading out of London to Oxford, particularly to the stretch from Marble Arch to Notting Hill where the surface changes every 100 yards and is most dangerous?
§ Mr. BarnesI will forward to the hon. Member the figures in connection with the statement I have made. As I have indicated, the surface of the roads is the responsibility of the borough councils.
Mr. Wilson HarrisShould the right hon. Gentleman ever find himself in the vicinity of the Minister of Works, will he have a word with him about the road surface in The Mall?
§ Captain CrookshankAre the road authorities the right hon. Gentleman has quoted responsible for the roads through the parks, because those are the worst in London?
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir. That is a different question.
§ Captain CrookshankWill the right hon. Gentleman see that something is done about it?
§ Mr. BarnesThat question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works.
§ Captain CrookshankHe is sitting next to the right hon. Gentleman. Why not tell him about it?