HC Deb 28 January 1985 vol 72 cc13-4W
Mr. Lord

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many fatal and non-fatal road accidents occurred in the county of Suffolk from July to September 1984 compared with the same period in 1983; if he will give national figures for the same period; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

The number of injury accidents are shown in the table below. All 1984 data are provisional.

Injury accidents: Suffolk and Great Britain: July-September, 1983 and 1984
1983 1984
Fatal accidents
Suffolk 11 28
Great Britain 1,259 1,304
Serious and slight accidents
Suffolk 669 775
Great Britain 62,649 60,032

Although the increase in fatal accidents may appear large, the numbers are relatively small and are liable to short-term fluctuations. It is too early to say whether this increase is part of a continuing upward trend.

Mr. Maginnis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many rear seat passengers were killed in road traffic accidents in England during 1984;

(2) what was the total number of road deaths in England during 1984; and if he will give a breakdown of this figure;

(3) how many motorists who died during 1984 in road traffic accidents in England and who were either drivers or front seat passengers would appear not to have been wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

Mrs. Chalker

Provisional estimates of road casualties in 1984 will be published in April, and detailed breakdowns of the final figures will be given in "Road Accidents Great Britain" later in the year. Figures for 1983 can be found in tables 37, 38, and 47 of the 1983 edition, a copy of which is in the Library.