HC Deb 10 February 1965 vol 706 cc364-6
14. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fatal tractor accidents there were in the South-West in the last year; and how many of the people concerned were under the age of 15 years.

Mr. Hoy

There were nine fatal tractor accidents in the South-Western Region in 1964. One was to a boy of 12 who was driving a tractor in breach of the Agriculture (Avoidance of Accidents to Children) Regulations, 1958.

Mr. Mills

Will not the hon. Gentleman agree that this figure is far too high? Will he consider introducing legislation to prevent these tragic accidents? Is he aware that in my constituency there have been two fatal accidents to young boys since October? Will he consider increasing to 15 the age at which a boy can drive these very modern and powerful tractors?

Mr. Hoy

These cases concern all of us. I remind the House that we employ 400 safety officers to try to prevent this sort of accident and that we have carried out considerable safety programmes by television, leaflets, demonstrations and so on. Of course, we regret these accidents. They are frequently the result of a member of the family being allowed to drive a tractor, and then it is sufficient punishment when anything like this happens.

Mr. Manuel

Can my hon. Friend say whether there was a prosecution in the case of a boy of 12 driving a tractor?

Mr. Hoy

This was a tragedy and the people involved have already been sufficiently punished without my making the matter more public. However, if my hon. Friend, or anybody else, is interested£and I can understand the reasons for asking the question£I shall be willing to give him the facts.

15. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the publicity campaign to reduce accidents on farms, in particular to reduce tractor accidents; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hoy

No, Sir, I shall not be satisfied until accidents on farms are sub stantially reduced. A great deal of publicity is aimed at reducing tractor accidents and we shall continue to use all resources available: press, sound broadcasting, television, leaflets, posters, lectures, films, demonstrations and safety exhibits at agricultural shows. We are making strong efforts to increase the effectiveness of the campaign. I shall be pleased to consider any suggestions the hon. Member may care to make.

Mr. Mills

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will he not agree that only legislation will prevent these deaths? Will he not agree to look into the matter again to see whether he should not introduce legislation?

Mr. Hoy

It is not only a matter of legislation, for the human factor is involved; but we are certainly considering whether we can make other safety regulations to improve the situation.

Mr. Hazell

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that the 400 safety inspectors who operate throughout the country have to take this work in their stride with many other duties and that, as a consequence, many thousands of farms have not yet been visited by these safety inspectors?

Mr. Hoy

The inspectors do a first-class job. We have recently added to their number. They try to get round as many farms as possible, but they are human beings and they can do only as much as the human frame will permit.