HC Deb 27 January 1960 vol 616 cc148-9
53. Mr. P. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will given the figures of the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads of the County Borough of Derby during the year 1959.

Mr. Hay

I am sorry to say that 15 people were killed and 228 seriously injured.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does the Minister realise that this large increase over the figures for 1958 has taken place despite the great efforts made by a very able chief constable and by an all-party road safety committee? Will he recognise that new and urgent nation-wide measures are required to deal with this frightful increase in road accidents?

Mr. Hay

We recognise both those points.

Mr. Mellish

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that his Minister said that he would not make any comment on the Royal Commission which we are to debate on Friday? It is likely that on Friday we shall not reach this subject. May we have a statement now that he is prepared to do something dramatic to see if we can overcome some of these problems?

Mr. Hay

I think that the hon. Gentleman is far too pessimistic about Friday.