§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department received about the closing of the north and southbound carriageways of the A1 near Welwyn Garden City on Friday 27 October, due to an accident; when the BBC were informed; and what information he has on the timing of broadcasts by the BBC to warn motorists of the traffic chaos.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Department's agent, Hertfordshire county council, was notified of this incident by the police as soon as it was evident that its assistance would be required.
The BBC learnt of the accident from Hertfordshire police at 14.35 and broadcast the first bulletin on Radios 1 and 2 during the next 10 to 15 minutes. This was updated regularly throughout the afternoon.