§ 2. Dr. Stuttafordasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many serious accidents involving injury or death occurred on the Newmarket to Norwich portion of the A11 between January and July, 1972; and in what percentage of these cases overtaking was involved.
§ The Minister for Transport Industries (Mr. John Peyton)Seven fatal accidents, 44 involving serious injury and 37 involving slight injury. 16 per cent. of these accidents involved overtaking.
§ Dr. StuttafordDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the emergence of the monstrous heavy lorry on British roads, particularly in East Anglia, has meant that we must concentrate our efforts on road improvement by dualling carriageways, of which we have very few, if any, in Norfolk? Do not these figures confirm that if overtaking could be made easier we could cut the casualty rate?
§ Mr. PeytonA small sector of this road near Norwich, where there is exceptionally dense traffic, is due for dual carriageway treatment. For the rest, I am afraid that I could not make any early promises.
§ Mr. FernyhoughWill the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the heavy lorries to which his hon. Friend has referred will not become heavier still in consequence of our entry into the EEC?
§ Mr. PeytonSurprisingly enough, I am answering a Question on that matter later.