HC Deb 18 January 1972 vol 829 cc206-7
27. Mr. Concannon

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fatal accidents have been caused each year from 1959 by overturning tractors; and how many of these accidents occurred with tractors fitted with the safety cab or frame.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

With permission, I will circulate the annual statistics in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Fatalities ranged between 26 and 47 a year and averaged 33. In the only instance involving a tractor fitted with an approved safety cab or frame, one of the two occupants stayed in the safety cab and survived.

Mr. Concannon

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to an article in the December issue of the Agricultural Worker by his own Chief Safety Inspector, Mr. J. C. Weekes, and, if so, has he taken that article seriously into account? Many of us would like to see the date brought forward so that it is made compulsory for all farmers to have safety cabs on tractors.

Mr. Stodart

I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am very clued up on this safety aspect. In the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is at present going through the House, we are raising the penalties to deal with those who ignore its provisions. The date of operation was carefully considered by the previous Administration. For practical reasons this would appear to be the best compromise.

The following is the information:

Number of fatal accidents caused by overturning tractors in England and Wales each year since 1959:

1959 32
1960 26
1961 47
1962 39
1963 25
1964 31
1965 36
1966 39
1967 33
1968 32
1969 32
1970 26
1971 (provisional figure) 28

The fatal accident involving a tractor fitted with a safety cab occurred in 1968.