HC Deb 27 January 1960 vol 616 cc149-50
55. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Transport if he will publish an analysis of the causes of the unusually heavy road casualties at Christmas.

Mr. Hay

I am arranging for a summary analysis of the Christmas fatalities to be published today and for copies to be placed in the Library.

Mr. Russell

Would my hon. Friend say whether any one cause, such as drunkenness, played a major part in the increase?

Mr. Hay

I think that my hon. Friend had better study the statement in the Library. The only thing I will say is that the police put forward drink as being the cause of only four of the accidents. It is not known how many more accidents were contributed to by drink because these details are reported only in relation to drivers and cyclists and only in cases where the facts are such that the police can take action on them.