HC Deb 03 June 1981 vol 5 cc918-9
12. Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what studies his Department has made of methods of enforcement of legislation on the wearing of seat belts.

Mr. Fowler

We have made no specific study, but I have some information on experience in other countries where compulsion has been introduced. The main conclusion which I draw from it is that there would have to be a continued enforcement effort by the police if such a law was passed in this country.

Mr. Heddle

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Does he agree that the compulsory wearing of seat belts is an issue which divides parties and indeed families throughout the country? Will he be kind enough to share his own views with the House today and confirm that if an amendment to the Transport Bill were carried in another place to make the wearing of seat belts compulsory there would be a free vote on the issue in this House?

Mr. Fowler

Yes, of course. There will certainly be a free vote on this issue. There will be a free vote of the House and a free vote of Ministers, and the Government will respect the decision of Parliament.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Has the Minister noted those studies which have shown that in countries which have introduced compulsion the actual results by way of reduction of casualties have borne no relation to the theoretical projection which was made before the legislation was introduced?

Mr. Fowler

That is the Adams thesis. It is something which I think that the House will wish to bear in mind when it considers any amendment that may be made in another place.