§ 45. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport what reports he has had during the last six months from the Departmental Road Safety Committee and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents directed to the prevention of accidents on British roads; and what are his own plans directed to the same purposes.
§ Mr. MarplesDuring the period in question the Departmental Road Safety Committee has reported on the results of the experimental introduction of a 40 miles-per-hour speed limit in the London Traffic Area. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents does not make reports to me, but it has recently made suggestions relating to accident statistics and investigation and various ways of educating and influencing road users. These suggestions are being examined. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Bristol, South-East (Mr. Benn) on 18th May.
§ Mr. HughesI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that Answer, but would he say what action he proposes to take on the reports?
§ Mr. MarplesI am in very close touch with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and the other report is being studied. It may be that shortly we shall be seeking to introduce some form of affirmative Resolution to the House on speed limits.
§ Mr. ManuelCan the right hon. Gentleman say what the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reported to him and advised regarding the carrying of bulk loads on roads? Is he aware that many casualties, resulting in death, are caused by the lack of vision to traffic behind these bulk loads, and ought he not to be convinced as Minister of Transport that he should be doing something about these daily deaths by 445 lessening these difficult circumstances and doing his job as Minister of Transport?
§ Mr. MarplesI do not think that the report of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents mentions the question of bulk loads.