§ 14. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that motor manufacturers have rejected the suggestion that they should supply safety straps as a standard equipment in new vehicles, and that the rejection is primarily because safety straps would then attract Purchase Tax, whereas they would not if fitted later; and whether he will amend the Purchase Tax regulations to avoid this anomaly, in the interests of road safety.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Sir Edward Boyle)No, Sir. The motor manufacturers' reasons for not fitting safety straps as standard equipment in new cars were explained in correspondence published by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport in the OFFICIAL REPORT for 27th April. These reasons are largely technical, and are unrelated to Purchase Tax.
§ Mr. DigbyIs my right hon. Friend aware that many lives could be saved if there were more general use of safety straps? It is very unfortunate that the taxation system should act as a disincentive. There was a statement to this effect in the Press by the Society of Motor Manufacturers.
§ Sir E. BoyleI am sure that my right hon. and learned Friend will bear in mind what my hon. Friend has just said, but I should like to emphasise the last sentence in my Answer, namely, that it is not just a matter of Purchase Tax. One must remember that safety belts are only one of a large number of accessories which are fitted to cars in the interest of road safety.
§ Sir Richard PilkingtonDoes not my hon. Friend think that in this case the motor manufacturers ought to think again?
§ Sir E. BoyleI am sure that they will take note of everything that is said in the House. I do not think that it is my responsibility to answer for them, but rather to point out that Purchase Tax is by no means the only consideration involved.
§ Mr. StraussIf it is one consideration involved and if it is a disincentive to manufacturers and also mitigates against purchasers of motor cars having safety belts fitted, will the hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter? Is it not obviously indefensible to advise and encourage people to use safety harnesses which are designed solely to save lives, their use being strongly advocated by the Minister of Transport, but at the same time to make them subject to Purchase Tax?
§ Sir E. BoyleI do not think that I can add to what I have said in my earlier answers. I am sure that everyone concerned will bear in mind the feelings of the House. By no means all motorists are converted to the use of safety harness as standard equipment. Many motorists who are converted prefer to make their own choice as to the type and make of harness which should be fitted. There are a good many more aspects than those which hon. Members have suggested.