HC Deb 25 January 1956 vol 548 cc189-90
23. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in order to remove misunderstanding, he will arrange for statistics to be kept over a reasonable period so as to ascertain how many road accidents are caused by men drivers and women drivers, respectively, in proportion to the total numbers of men and women drivers.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)

I do not think that the additional work which would be involved in my hon. Friend's proposal would help me in measures to increase road safety.

Sir F. Medlicott

Is my right hon. Friend aware that women are very much better drivers than is generally conceded—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—as their driving, although often irritating, is usually careful? Accurate statistics on this matter would not only restore confidence to a much-maligned section of the community, but would save a great deal of argument.

Mr. Watkinson

At this early stage in my Ministry, I think that I ought to try to avoid controversy.

Miss Herbison

Will the Minister resist the suggestion, in spite of what his hon. Friend has said, and use any available manpower for cutting down the number of bad drivers, whether men or women, and thus cut down accidents?

Mr, Watkinson

I have said that I cannot do anything.