§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many boys and how many girls have been injured and killed, respectively, in the course or as a result of sponsored walks in the United Kingdom during each of the last 10 years for which records are available; what were their ages; how many and what percentage of such injuries and deaths, respectively, were suffered on public highways; and how many and what percentage of such highways had pavements;
(2) how many men and how many women have been injured and killed, respectively, in the course or as a result of sponsored walks in the United Kingdom during each of the last 10 years for which records are available; how many and what percentage of such injuries and deaths, respectively, were suffered on public highways; and how many and what percentage of such highways had pavements;
(3) whether he will institute an inquiry into injuries and deaths suffered in the course or as a result of sponsored walks; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI regret that the statistical information requested is not available. However, I am not aware of any widespread accident problems associated with these events. My Department issues a free leaflet to organisers 253W of sponsored walks, a copy of which I am sending the hon. and learned Member for information. In the circumstances I do not consider that an inquiry would be justified.