HC Deb 28 March 1973 vol 853 cc1288-90
13. Miss Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to make the fitting of seat belts for the drivers of public service vehicles compulsory.

Mr. Peyton

I would prefer to rely upon persuasion.

Miss Lestor

Is not it useless to run a campaign to persuade people to wear seat belts when many vehicles carrying passengers are not fitted with seat belts for the driver? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that in a recent compensation claim case after an accident a woman was told by a judge that her damages would be reduced because she had not been wearing a seat belt? Does not this carry implications for the driver of any public service vehicle who may be involved in an accident?

Mr. Peyton

The point which the hon. Lady has raised is well worth consideration, though the evidence shows that the risk of this kind of injury in large passenger vehicles is less than it is in cars. Indeed, if I may quote the advice that I have been given, because it is so elegantly worded, In an impact the retardation forces for a larger vehicle are much smaller.

Mr. J. H. Osborn

Is not there all the difference in the world between fitting seat belts and wearing them? Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind for the private vehicle the type of safety belt which operates upon the closing of the door? Will he give the greatest encouragement to the development of that type of belt for public as well as private vehicles?

Mr. Peyton

That kind of appliance is being studied. Its drawback would be that it is by no means cheap, and would add materially to the cost of a motor car.

Mr. Ashley

When does the Minister propose to stop pussyfooting on the question of the compulsory wearing of seat belts for all drivers? Does he realise that thousands of doctors, nurses and social workers—and some hon. Members—spend a long time trying to help disabled people, and that he could do more to prevent people from being disabled by announcing from the Dispatch Box that all seat belts must be worn?

Mr. Peyton

I have done my best in this cause by instituting what I hope has not been an ineffective campaign of showing people the enormous value of wearing seat belts and protecting themselves from the risk of grave injury in an accident. I entirely accept what the hon. Gentleman has said about the seriousness of such accidents. I would prefer to persuade; but I have said repeatedly in the House that if persuasion fails any Minister in my position would certainly be obliged to consider the alternatives.