HC Deb 25 February 1952 vol 496 cc79-80W
74. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Transport the number of road accidents in fatal and non-fatal categories in 1938, and the corresponding number in 1951, together with the number of registered vehicles at both dates.

Mr. Maclay

In 1938, 6,648 persons were killed and 226,711 injured in road accidents. The figures for 1951 were 5,250 killed and 211,243 injured. Excluding agricultural engines, which are rarely on the roads, the number of vehicles with licences current at any time during the September quarter was 3,065,753 in 1938 and 4,342,826 in 1951.

76. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Transport how many road accidents have occurred in Dorset during the year 1951, and how many of these were attributed to uncontrolled dogs being on the road.

Mr. Maclay

1,422 road accidents involving death or personal injury occurred in Dorset in 1951. Of these 13, including two fatal accidents, were attributed by the Police primarily to dogs being in the carriageway.

85. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Transport the reasons for the delay in reaching a decision on action to reduce fatal accidents on Linden Road, Birmingham, near the junction of that road with Woodbrooke Road and Bournville Lane.

Mr. Maclay

I do not think there has been any avoidable delay. I understand that a scheme for improving these road junctions was recently approved by the appropriate Committee of the Birmingham Corporation, who are the responsible highway authority, and that the work will be put in hand shortly.

86. Mr. Bottomley

asked the Minister of Transport when the promised public inquiry, under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, into the Medway town omnibus disaster is to be held.

Mr. Maclay

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on this matter on Thursday last.

89. Mr. Bottomley

asked the Minister of Transport if he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission on Road Safety.

Mr. Maclay

I am not satisfied that I should be justified in recommending the appointment of a Royal Commission. Very comprehensive investigations have been made into this question in recent years and I have the benefit of the advice of a Standing Committee on Road Safety, which is widely representative. I do not think that a Royal Commission on Road Safety would add substantially to existing knowledge of the problem.