HC Deb 20 February 1963 vol 672 cc431-2
20. Mr. Small

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why no action was taken by his Department to undertake road safety propaganda in 1961–62.

Mr. Leburn

The Government's principal agent in road safety propaganda is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents; there is full co-operation between my right hon. Friend's Department, the Society and the Scottish Accident Prevention Council in the work carried out in Scotland.

Mr. Small

Does the Minister recognise that that is a very poor excuse? In view of the rising figures of road casualties, his Department could very well spend money on safety measures in this period.

Mr. Leburn

We are all concerned about road accidents and the question of safety, but it is heartening to note that the total number of accidents in Scotland in 1962 was 657 fewer than in 1961, which is the first time since 1957 that there has been a fall.

Mr. Stodart

If I understand my hon. Friend to say that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is one of his agents in this matter, does it mean that the society receives an annual grant from him?

Mr. Leburn

The society received a grant for 1962–63 of £106,000, but this was paid on behalf of my right hon. Friend and of the Minister of Transport by the Minister of Transport.

Mr. Steele

Why is there no full-time road safety officer in the Minister's Department? There are a number of full-time road safety officers attached to the Ministry of Transport. This suggestion was made to the Scottish Office a number of years ago and consideration was to be given to it. What has happened? Why do we not have a full-time officer in the Scottish Office?

Mr. Leburn

We feel that using the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents as my right hon. Friend's agents is the most appropriate way.

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