§ Sir F. Sandersonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the number of road accidents, he will consider whether the speed limit at present fixed is too 377W high or is being disregarded; and whether he will take steps with a view to reducing the number of deaths and accidents?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI have received no evidence that the present speed limits are too high or that they are now generally disregarded. In collaboration with the Home Office, my Department gives constant attention to the problem of road accidents. Wartime shortage of labour and materials limits the safety measures which can now be taken, but at our request, and with financial assistance from my Department, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents are extending their work. They hope to facilitate the provision of road safety instruction in schools and to set up local safety organisations in the areas of the larger local authorities. National propaganda will also be carried on with the help of the Ministry of Information and the British Broadcasting Corporation.
§ Sir F. Sandersonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport which class of traffic is primarily responsible for the number of deaths, especially of young children, from road accidents, namely, private motorcars, motor-cycles, commercial lorries or Army transport?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerNo, Sir. Returns of the causes to which road accidents could be attributed have not been made since the outbreak of war.