§ 11. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what negotiations have taken place nationally and within the Common Market with a view to introducing standard heights for car bumpers; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertProposals for international standards for car bumpers, including their height, are being considered this week by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Several European Community member States are taking part in this work. The Department is in touch with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd. about 1588 the British contribution to these discussions.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltI thank the Minister for appearing to take a slight step forward in this matter. Will he not accept that although international agreement is vital in the ultimate, it is not helped by our being at sixes and sevens in this country? In the absence of international agreement, we should now decide what standard heights we are to have in this country.
§ Dr. GilbertI disagree. I do not think that it is in anybody's interests to set a national standard which might have to be changed very shortly if we get an international agreement. That would be counter-productive. We need international agreement on a safe bumper height.