HC Deb 28 November 2000 vol 357 cc553-4W
Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much was spent by his Department on(a) research into the prevention of (i) transport related accidents, (ii) accidents in the home and (iii) occupational injuries and (b) public awareness campaigns on the prevention of road accidents through road safety training in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [140660]

Mr. Mullin

For the financial year 1998–1999:

My Department spent a total of £8.33 million (excluding VAT) on research into the prevention of transport accidents—this covers research on improved vehicle safety (£1.03 million), road safety (£3.86 million), road engineering measures (£1.62 million) and shipping (£0.81 million), as well as research funded by the Health and Safety Executive on railways safety (£1.01 million) for which they have the policy lead. (The total figure does not include research carried out by the CAA, which is responsible for air safety regulation.)

The figure for spend on research into the prevention of occupational injuries will take more time to collate. When available, the information will be posted in the House of Commons Library.

DETR(C) does not sponsor research aimed directly at the prevention of accidents in the home. Nevertheless, we are interested in research findings on the incidence of accidents from various sources as part of the evidential base for assessing housing health and safety, and draw on relevant research carried out by those departments who have the policy lead in this area. The Health and Safety Executive spent £0.18 million (excluding VAT), mainly on carbon monoxide emission from gas fires in domestic premises.

The figures for public awareness campaigns on the prevention of road accidents through road safety training are not available. The Department does spend approximately £12 million per annum on the THINK! Road Safety publicity campaign, but not necessarily through training.

In addition the Marine and Coastguard Agency spend £0.43 million on publicity campaigns and events promoting maritime safety.