§ 40. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the concern of parents at the dangerous crossing at Maryland Point School, Stratford, E.15, across the High Road; and whether he will have hand-operated traffic lights installed or consult with his right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary, to make certain that there is always a policeman at the crossing during school hours.
§ Mr. MaclayI am informed that this crossing is regularly controlled by the police when children are going to and from school.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Minister aware that on several occasions the policeman has had to be called away because of serious accidents in the vicinity, and that recently 1911 the parents of children who go to this school signed a petition protesting at the fact that the policeman had been taken away? Will the hon. Gentleman see that there is always a policeman at this crossing and that he is never taken away during school hours?
§ Mr. MaclayI have heard of only one case in which a policeman was away for a short time owing to an incident elsewhere, and I am informed that the police do everything possible to be there during school hours.
§ Mr. LewisWhat I am asking is that steps should be taken to see that a policeman is always there, and is not taken away for any incident whatever while the school is in session. Will the Minister see to that?
§ Mr. MaclayI have noted the hon. Member's remarks.
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorWill the Minister be prepared to oppose the removal of a crossing if there are not sufficient policemen to guard it, since school teachers refuse to take responsibility for children where there is no crossing?
§ Mr. MaclayI think that that does not arise out of this Question.