HC Deb 05 June 1961 vol 641 cc73-4W
Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of accidents involving injury and loss of

Year Total number of accidents Number of accidents involving personal injuries (included in Column 2) Troops
Killed Injured (including all minor personal injuries)
(1) (2) (3) (4)
1956–57 … 9,844 1,387 23 1,027
1957–58 … 8,739 1,126 15 819
1958–59 … 9,162 1,231 16 636
1959–60 … 8,671 1,104 21 839
1960–61 … 7,719 1,024 10 554
TOTALS … 44,135 5,872 85 3,875

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of accidents involving injury and loss of life to troops who have been conveyed in Service vehicles abroad during each of the past five years, specifyng the numbers killed and injured.

Mr. Profumo

Records are held centrally only of the total number of accidents of all categories. These are as follows:

1956–57 14,144
1957–58 13,724
1958–59 12,604
1959–60 11,215
1960–61 9,776
Total 61,463

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied with the present regulations governing the use of Service vehicles when carrying Service personnel; and, in view of the number of accidents taking place involving loss of life and injuries, if he will inquire into what further can be done to lessen the number of accidents.

life when troops have been conveyed in Service vehicles in this country during each of the past five years, specifying the numbers of killed and injured.

Mr. Profumo

The following is the information:

Mr. Profumo

Yes. Rules for the control and use of W.D. transport are full and comprehensive. Every Army driver has to carry the Highway Code and a copy of "Standing Orders for Drivers of Mechanical Vehicles and Motorcycles", a simple and firm set of rules with which the driver is bound to comply.

Courses run for driving instructors at the Army M.T. School pay careful attention to the safety aspect; and in addition Army drivers are encouraged to take part in safety driving competitions. Careful and continuous watch is kept on accident trends and any common fault is put right as soon as possible.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the cost of the Service vehicles that have been involved in accidents, and consequently damaged, over the past five years.

Mr. Profumo

I regret this information is not available.