HC Deb 04 July 1949 vol 466 cc1785-6
59. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Transport how many inquiries into road accidents were held in 1948 under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Callaghan)

None, Sir. There was no accident during that year where such an inquiry seemed likely to afford any significant information beyond that available from reports by the police and the Department's technical officers.

Mr. Keeling

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that when Parliament put this Section into the Act it did not intend it to remain almost a dead letter? Does he not think that when an accident is exceptionally serious or presents any special features use should be made of this Section?

Mr. Callaghan

When an accident presents new characteristics which are worthy of investigation this sort of inquiry is held, has been held and will be held in the future.