HC Deb 25 January 1961 vol 633 cc154-5
42. Sir R. Pilkington

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has analysed the road accidents over the Christmas period in order to show what were the most prevalent errors either by drivers or pedestrians: and what has been the result.

Mr. Hay

The police reports on all accidents occurring at Christmas, 1960, are being analysed and we shall publish a statement shortly. The police reports give a great deal of useful information but do not enable us to say what were the most prevalent errors by drivers or pedestrians.

Sir R. Pilkington

Should they not, in fact, give this information? Would it not be desirable to give all the publicity possible to the errors which are made?

Mr. Hay

The police prepare their accident reports on the basis of what happened, and not who was responsible. It is, therefore, difficult in some cases to say what was the particular error which caused the accident. Nevertheless, what they do give us provides us with very valuable information.