HC Deb 20 July 1966 vol 732 cc612-3
24. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the new type of outrigger arms for tractors as an adequate safety device in forming the regulations he is preparing on tractor safety.

Mr. John Mackie

We are considering the possible effectiveness of the outrigger arms for tractors to which the hon. Member refers as part of the general study of the comments on the proposed regulations. It does not seem probable, however, that they will afford adequate protection against overturning in as wide a range of circumstances as would a safety frame or cab.

Mr. Mills

Will the Minister bear in mind that we have had a further two or three fatal accidents with tractors in the South-West very recently? Will he urgently bring forward new regulations to deal with this very serious problem?

Mr. Mackie

Yes, we are attending to this very urgently indeed, but as the hon. Gentleman's Question suggests, there are differences of opinion as to what is the best method, and consultations are going on. We should like to be sure that what we decide is right. We appreciate that outrigger arms afford a considerable amount of safety.