asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the comparative cost, in connection with pedestrian crossings for which local authorities are responsible of police control and press-button light control.

The cost of police control is about £1,200 a year on the basis of a 12-hour day. The cost of installing press-button traffic light signals varies between £850 and £350, depending on whether the lights are provided with vehicle-actuated pads or not. The annual maintenance cost of such signals is £50 to £70.

Will my hon. Friend encourage the use of press-button signals rather than police controls?

Yes, Sir It is our policy to do so in all suitable cases in the interests of economy.

Is the Joint Parliamentary Secretary making good progress with the collection of statistics to show whether or not zebra crossings, are, in fact, resulting in a reduction in the number of accidents?

Yes, Sir, we are making good progress in that as in other respects, and there may be an opportunity of discussing that matter later.