§ 2. Mr. James Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fatal accidents have occurred during the past five years on the A74.
The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Mr. Bruce Milian)There were 93, in the five years 1970–74 inclusive.
§ Mr. WhiteMay I draw the Minister's attention to the degree to which people in Scotland are fed up with the perpetual accidents on this road? It is fair to say that I speak with more authority than any other hon. Member.
§ Mr. WhiteI shall return to the remark of the hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. Monro) shortly. I draw the Minister's attention to an accident that happened two or three weeks ago, when a wagon ploughed into a stationary bus. Until we get at least a hard shoulder on this road, these accidents will continue to happen. May I say how surprised I was at the complacency of the hon. Member for Dumfries—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Not at Question Time.
§ Mr. MillanWhile any accidents on any road are to be deplored, the accident rate in accidents per million vehicle miles on this road is below average for this type of road. My information about the circumstances of the accident to which my hon. Friend referred is rather different from his.
§ Mr. MonroI thank the Minister for his reply. How much money does he hope to be able to spend in the coming year on minor improvements and the provision of underpass for livestock? I appreciate that in the present economic climate we cannot move to motorway standards, which are ultimately desirable.
§ Mr. MillanI agree with what the hon. Gentleman has said about not being able to move to motorway standards. I should have to have notice of the question concerning the amount of money likely to be spent in the current year, because such matters are not directly my responsibility.