§ 13. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to fix a standard height above the ground for bumpers on motor cars.
§ Mr. BarnesThe Committee on Road Safety considered the matter in their Final Report (1947) but did not recommend compulsory standardisation of bumpers, even for private cars. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has issued a standard for the guidance of manufacturers, and, in my view, this should be sufficient.
§ Mr. RussellIs the Minister aware that there is still a big difference in the height of bumpers of various types of cars? Does he not agree that a standard height would save a great deal of the minor damage which is caused by one car running into the back of another?
§ Mr. BarnesMy answer shows that there is something in the point. The action now being taken by manufacturers ought to help very substantially in this direction. Possibly it is better to let the trade prepare the way before adopting a severe method of standardisation.