§ 48. Mr. Shortasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether his regional officials have considered the causes of the accident, involving two deaths, which occurred on 7th July at the junction of Benton Lane and West Farm Avenue, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent further accidents at this junction.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. G. R. H. Nugent)I have heard of this unfortunate accident with great regret. As the circumstances in which the accident occurred are still under consideration by the police, I would prefer not to make any further statement at present.
§ Mr. ShortIs the Minister aware that two of my constituents were killed in the unfortunate accident, and that certain measures have been taken at the junction but, because it is a very deceiving junction, they are quite inadequate? Will he please do something more soon and not wait until another fatal accident occurs there?
§ Mr. NugentThe junction was substantially reconstructed last year, but if the hon. Member has any suggestions as to how it might be further improved, I should be very willing to listen to them.