HC Deb 11 November 1968 vol 773 c29
49. Mr. Bessell

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make an order to make it compulsory for motor cyclists to wear crash helmets when riding their machines.

Mr. Bob Brown

Some three out of four motor cyclists already wear crash helmets. I hope that our continuing publicity will persuade the rest to do so and make compulsion unnecessary.

Mr. Bessell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that is an extremely unsatisfactory Answer? In part, his reply emphasises that he approves the wearing of crash helmets. Why not make an order to make them compulsory?

Mr. Brown

The indications are that our publicity is achieving its object. The number of motor cyclists wearing crash helmets rose in 10 years from just over 20 per cent. to the present level of 70 per cent. Surely it is better to persuade than to dictate.