11.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fatal road accidents took place in Scotland in 1961; and what increase this represents on the previous year.
There were 671 fatalities in 1961; 23 more than in 1960. programme, there will be a very long time, almost fifteen years, before the Montgomery Report is fully implemented, particularly in the western region of Scotland?
My information is that it ought to be practically implemented within the five-year period.
Will the Minister tell us how many of the eighty maternity beds promised in 1960 and again in 1961 are now available?
I am afraid that I cannot answer that detailed supplementary question without notice.
Following are the figures:
Does not this represent an upward trend, compared with England and Wales in the same period? Is my hon. Friend aware that in England and Wales there are 750 road safety officers and in Scotland only eight? Would he not agree on the importance of providing such officers to give lectures in the schools to the children, and other lectures, in order to prevent road accidents?
I should like to consider the point about the road safety officers. Of course, we are concerned that they should be increased; but to set the figures in proportion, there has been a very substantial rise in the number of vehicles on the roads.
Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that we are going to have this problem very much worsened by the closure of branch lines and main line stations and the withdrawal of hundreds of trains, thus causing more traffic to go on to the roads and causing a greater number of accidents and greater loss of life every year? Will he consider this in any arrangements he is making for road safety in future?
I will certainly consider anything, for the improvement of road safety.
It would cost money.
English money.