§ 37. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what percentage the number of road accidents in Scotland fell as between October and November and November and December of last year, respectively.
§ Mr. RossIn November accidents involving injuries were about 8½ per cent. fewer than in October, and in December 12 per cent. more than in November, 1967. But seasonal factors are important; total casualties in November were 80 fewer than in November, 1966, while total casualties in December were 247 fewer than in December, 1966.
§ Mr. StodartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the comparable figures which were given for England and Wales have shown very much better improvement than that? Will he investigate the reason for the shortfall in Scotland? And has he any suggestion as to what the reasons are?
§ Mr. RossThe reasons could be social, they could be climatic: it is difficult to say. One of the outstanding facts is that the number of those killed on the roads in November and December, 1966, in Scotland was 201; in 1967, in the same period, the number was 145. That is a very considerable improvement.