HC Deb 30 June 1960 vol 625 c1535
13. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will amend the British Standards specification for toughened glass for motor vehicles so as to specify a maximum as well as a minimum number of fragments per square inch.

Mr. Maudling

I have no power to amend a British Standard as my hon. Friend suggests.

Mr. Johnson

If it were possible to specify a maximum number of particles, it would mean that the figure could be low enough to ensure being able to see at least the outlines of objects in the event of a windshield shattering, while at the same time providing the necessary standards of safety.

Mr. Maudling

That sounds a very good argument. I must be very careful on this, because the British Standards Institution is a wholly independent body and I am sure that the Government should not in any way try to influence its decisions.