§ 6. Mr. SutcliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to ensure that standards higher than the European Union crash standards for cars are promptly introduced. [15695]
§ Mr. NorrisNo. It is vital that crash test standards are set within the context of the European Union.
§ Mr. SutcliffeDoes the Minister not realise that more improved, stringent tests could save up to 90,000 lives 1375 across Europe and 9,000 lives in the United Kingdom and that the motoring organisations are concerned about the recommendations being too loose?
§ Mr. NorrisThe hon. Gentleman is right. When we reach the stage 2 standards, they will offer the prospect of substantial life saving. Of course these test standards have to be introduced on a sensible time scale which allows the manufacturers to develop products that are set to the stringent standards. I underline that I think there is general agreement throughout the House that the construction standards must be properly set within the framework of the European Union. They offer British manufacturers the opportunity of knowing the standard to which they build so that they can sell their products throughout the Union.