HC Deb 15 January 1964 vol 687 cc210-1
30. Mr. Spriggs

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads; what steps he is taking to reduce road accidents; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Marples

Yes, Sir. This problem is one with which I am constantly preoccupied. During the past four years I have introduced many measures designed to improve road safety and this will continue to be one of my most important objectives.

Mr. Spriggs

Is the Ministeraware that in the four months from July to October, 2,558 people were killed on our roads in road transport accidents and 32,941 were seriously injured? Is it not time that the Minister had another look at the Government's policy which aims at closing more stations and branch lines, and which will have the effect of forcing more people on to the roads long before our road transport system is ready to receive them? Will he undertake to look at the question of setting up a ministry of road safety, or, at the least, a committee of inquiry to give this House a full report on the causes of these accidents, and give the committee real teeth with the power to make inquiries, so that we can be properly informed and the Government may have at least a policy which will reduce the number of deaths on the roads?

Mr. Marples

No one takes the question of road accidents more seriously than I do. It is a most baffling problem. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual responsibility of the driver. I do not think the number of stations closed in the last four months has had an adverse effect, because hardly any have been closed. If the hon. Gentleman has any suggestions that I or the Government can consider to help road safety, we shall be very glad to receive them.

Mr. Spriggs

I have made them. In view of the most unsatisfactory reply to my Question, I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.