§ 2. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has made for the prevention of accidents on Scottish roads.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)There is no simple solution to the problem of road accidents, but my policy is to attack it by every means at my disposal. It is one which all road users can help to solve by 1146 exercising more care and patience on the road.
§ Mr. HughesIs not the right hon. Gentleman holding up his hands in despair at this dreadful and tragic situation? Does he not realise that it is his duty to tackle it in a forthright way to find out whether the accidents are due to the state of the roads, the negligence of drivers, or to alcoholic excess? Surely he ought to set up an expert committee to investigate this very tragic problem and find a solution?
§ Mr. MaclayI agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman that this is a very tragic problem. He will realise that a great deal of examination is going on into all the causes of accidents and he may know that, at my request, local authorities are at the moment engaged in a campaign to publicise the various aspects of road safety.