HC Deb 10 March 1969 vol 779 cc960-1
13. Mr. Cronin

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make the fitment of safety belts in motor vehicles a compulsory feature of the annual vehicle test.

Mr. Bob Brown

Draft regulations are being drawn up for this purpose and we hope to consult interested organisations shortly.

Mr. Cronin

I welcome that Reply. Does not my hon. Friend agree that safety belts are the biggest single factor in saving life? Will he make sure that this is expedited?

Mr. Brown

I accept what my hon. Friend has said and we will certainly expedite this as quickly as possible.

Earl of Dalkeith

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is no use just compelling people to fit safety belts but that he must encourage them to wear them? Will he, therefore, have a new Press and television campaign showing the great advantages of safety belts to try to persuade people to use them?

Mr. Brown

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. We all clearly recognise the value of safety belts, and the extensive advertising campaign that we are conducting on the advantages of wearing them will continue.