HC Deb 17 July 1958 vol 591 cc1418-9
18. Mr. Moyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place a warden-controlled crossing in Long Lane, Blackheath, Birmingham, in the vicinity of the Feldon Lane Junction, and thus avoid the risk of accidents to which the children of the Olive Hill and Hill Top Primary Schools are now exposed in going to and from school.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)

Under the School Crossing Patrols Act, 1953, it is for the appropriate local authority to decide what arrangements, if any, shall be made for patrolling school crossings.

Mr. Moyle

Having regard to the terms of the Minister's reply to me on 26th June, can the Joint Under-Secretary advise me as to the circumstances which would justify the intervention of her right hon. Friend in such a matter? Am I to understand that there must first be a road accident or, possibly, a fatality at this point before the Home Department can intervene?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The hon. Member would, I think, agree that in a purely local matter of this kind, the local authority is the proper body to assess the need for such a crossing. It would not be practicable for the Home Department to intervene in matters which are so essentially a question for local knowledge and decision.

Mr. Moyle

Assuming for the moment that the local authority refuses to accede to the representations made by parents and local organisations, am I to understand that if people felt strongly about the matter it would be possible for the Home Secretary to intervene and investigate it further?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

My right hon. Friend is always prepared to consider representations made to him, but, as he has replied to the hon. Member, he feels that this is a matter for local decision.