HC Deb 09 February 1955 vol 536 cc1889-90
26. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many accidents have been reported at points within 400 yards of the site of the proposed traffic signals at the junction of A1 with Kingsley Way, N.W.11, since November, 1953.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Sixty-six accidents were reported to the police between November, 1953, and December, 1954, and in these, two people were killed and 27 injured.

Mr. Wilson

As the Parliamentary Secretary promised in November, 1953, that these lights would be erected very quickly, is it not an extraordinary case of delay, particularly as 66 accidents have been reported since then?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think the right hon. Gentleman's next Question relates specifically to the lights.

27. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he expects that the traffic signals on the A1 highway at Kingsley Way, N.W.11, promised by him in November, 1953, will be erected.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I hope the signals will be erected before the end of March.

Mr. Wilson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his lion. Friend wrote to me on 18th June saying that he then hoped that they would be erected and working by the end of 1954? In view of the high rate of accidents, will the right hon. Gentleman make certain that they are erected by the end of March?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have every reason to hope that they will be erected by then, but, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, what governs these matters is the date of delivery by the manufacturers, and, owing to the demand for this equipment, at the moment there is generally a six-month delay.

Mr. Wilson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only excuse not made by the Parliamentary Secretary in his letter of 18th June was delay in delivery by the manufacturers?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That only shows the versatility of my Department.