§ 13. Mr. Archerasked the Minister of Transport whether she has considered the information acquired by the Royal Automobile Club in its seven-point Tyre Safety Week, details of which have been sent to her; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CastleYes, Sir. This underlines the need for full observance of the new tyre Regulations which will be effective from 1st April. With help from RoSPA and the tyre industry I am arranging further publicity to emphasise their importance for safety.
§ Mr. ArcherWhile recognising that the question has been out-distanced by events, is my right hon. Friend aware that these Regulations will be warmly welcomed as a contribution to road safety? Can she tell us in a little more detail what steps she is taking to publicise them?
§ Mrs. CastleI agree that this is a very important element in road safety. The Lancashire police have indicated that 30 per cent. of accidents on the M6 in 1967 were due to tyre failure. Therefore, I have thought it right to devote some of the extra funds that we are making available for publicity on road safety matters to a campaign which will start in the Press next month and be followed by television advertising starting in mid-March.