HC Deb 18 January 1967 vol 739 cc68-70W
75. Mr. George Craddock

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the increase in road accidents during the Christmas period resulting in more than 700 deaths and over 1,000 serious casualties, if she will set up a committee of inquiry and report its findings to the House as soon as possible.

Mr. John Morris

No. My right hon. Friend has publicly indicated that since the Road Research Laboratory has already thoroughly examined Christmas season accidents in 1959, 1963 and 1964–65, and traced the main contributory factors, investigations should now concentrate on any new features which may emerge from the regular examination of all accidents. The provisional figures for deaths and serious injuries last Christmas were 158 and 1,507.

80. Mr. Barnes

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the seriousness of the Christmas road casualties, she will now initiate a long-term propaganda campaign in order to promote less aggressive and more responsible attitudes towards driving.

Mr. John Morris

My right hon. Friend is now considering what contribution propaganda can make towards road safety in connection with her Road Safety Plan and she is examining the practical possibilities.

81. Mr. Galbraith

asked the Minister of Transport what was the number of deaths on the road over the Christmas period; and how many of these were due to drinking by drivers; and what the respective figures were for the same period in each of the last five years.

Mrs. Castle

The provisional figure for road deaths in England and Wales for the five days beginning on December 23rd is 149. The final figures for earlier years were: 126 in 1965, 107 in 1964, 149 in 1963 and 89 in 1962. The corresponding figure for 1961 is not readily available. The number due to drinking by drivers is not yet known, but a special analysis is being made of this year's accident figures. Special studies made by the Road Research Laboratory at Christmas in 1963 and 1964 showed that alcohol was known to have been consumed shortly before fatal accidents, by 32 and 31 per cent. of the riders and drivers involved in them in 1963 and 1964 respectively.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Minister of Transport if she will give numbers, in each case, where death was the result of an accident during the Christmas holidays involving heavy lorries, private cars, motor cycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Mrs. Castle

I am having a special analysis made and the information should be available towards the end of February when I will write to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Minister of Transport if she will cause an immediate investigation to be made into the cause of each accident, resulting in death, during the Christmas holidays.

Mr. John Morris

No. The Road Research Laboratory have already thoroughly investigated Christmas season accidents in 1959, 1963 and 1964–65 and traced the main contributory factors. My right hon. Friend thinks it better now to concentrate on new features which may emerge from the regular examination of all accidents.