HC Deb 27 October 1952 vol 505 c1559
16. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to bring a greater sense of urgency to the publication and consideration of road accident figures, he will arrange for the main figures showing the number of persons killed, seriously injured or slightly injured to be issued week by week instead of month by month as at present.

Mr. Braithwaite

No, Sir. Any advantage which more frequent publication might have would be outweighed by the extra labour and expense which would be required.

Brigadier Medlicott

Are there not killed on the roads every week nearly as many people as were killed in the recent railway disaster? Is not frequent publicity the best possible means of obtaining a vigilant road safety campaign?

Mr. Braithwaite

I agree entirely with my hon. and gallant Friend, but to publish weekly figures would mean extra pressure on the limited police manpower and extra staff in the Department. I believe the House will agree that figures published weekly might not have the same impact on public opinion as those which appear once a month, which receive great publicity.