§ 71. Mr. Bryan Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now introduce legislation to make the wearing of seat belts by the front seat occupants of motor cars compulsory.
§ Mr. MulleyI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Upminster (Mr. Loveridge) on 22nd May. Notwithstanding the decision of another place on the matter in the Road Traffic Bill, I think it will be the wish of this House to consider it when the Bill comes here.—[Vol. 874, c.175.]
§ Mr. Loveridgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ensure that, in any legislation concerning the wearing of seat belts, British Standards Specifications require that the 170W belts can be adjusted to fit all sizes of persons, as some present fittings may trap the neck of small persons.
§ Mr. MulleyThe technical specifications for the fitting of seat belts are laid down in the Construction and Use Regulations which currently require compliance with certain British Standards. It is open to those experiencing difficulty with the lie of the belt across the neck to approach the car manufacturer to see whether modification is possible. Meanwhile manufacturers are paying particular attention to this problem when fitting belts in new cars, and international discussions which envisage more stringent standards are at an advanced stage.