§ 13. Mr. W. R. Williamsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what sum of money was allocated to local 1164 road safety committees during the current financial year; and how this compares with allocations of the two previous financial years.
§ Mr. NugentIn the present financial year £189,462 has so far been allocated to local authorities in England and Wales for road safety. The amount in 1956–57 was 177,543 and in 1955–56 was 167,689.
§ Mr. WilliamsIn view of the appalling loss of life and the serious injuries disclosed by the figures given by the Minister recently, does not the hon. Member agree that it is imperative that still more ample funds should be made available to try to inject into the public conscience a renewed sense of alarm and shame at the conditions now obtaining?
§ Mr. NugentThe expenditure of public funds is not the only way of putting this over. We are now spending quite substantial sums and, of course, they are the background of an immense volume of voluntary work done by local road safety committees, to whom I pay tribute. The money is sufficient to keep the wheels turning, but any voluntary help which we can get we will gladly welcome.
§ Mr. StraussIn view of past criticisms that some of this money is wasted by the rather bad display and use by local authorities of road safety campaign posters, can the hon. Member say whether any action has been taken by his Ministry, or by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, to see that those posters are better, and better displayed?
§ Mr. NugentThe Royal Society is always available to advise local authorities in their campaign and, as a rule, local authorities are very glad to have that advice. I am not aware of any specific cases where local authorities have fallen down on their usual high standards, but if the right hon. Gentleman will let me know, I will be very glad to look into the matter.