21. Mr. J. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that there have been two fatal accidents on the Dalkeith-Lauder road since the speed limit was increased from 30 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour; and what steps he is taking to make this road safer for pedestrians.
§ Mr. NobleYes, Sir. The hon. Member has had a letter explaining the circumstances in which the 30 miles per hour limit is being restored while the possibility of a pedestrian subway is being investigated.
Mr. HillIt is true that I received the letter, and I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman's hon. Friend on his initiative in taking the steps which he has taken to solve this very dangerous problem. Is the Secretary of State aware that I can only regret that he did not accept this advice twelve months ago, in which case these two lives might well have been saved?
§ Mr. NobleI accept the tragedy of these two cases. All I can say to the hon. Gentleman is that no evidence has been produced to me or, I think, to anyone else that these two deaths were in any way connected with the speed of the vehicles concerned.