HL Deb 15 July 1986 vol 478 c791

2.41 p.m.

Lord Brougham and Vaux

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action is being taken to provide better security for cars and other vehicles in order to reduce crime.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, the first part of a British standard on vehicle security, which is being prepared with the co-operation of motor manufacturers, will be published in the autumn. It will define, for the first time, a performance based specification for secure locking systems. We will also continue to urge car owners to use the security equipment available to them. We are undertaking a wide range of publicity campaigns, and the motor manufacturers will be improving the advice on car security which they give to car owners.

Lord Brougham and Vaux

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that interesting reply. May I ask him what will be the cost to the motor manufacturing industry? Does what is proposed also take into account laminated side windows to improve safety for car passengers as well as security?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, the competitiveness of the motor market makes it imperative that public demand is created. Cars with better security must be seen as more attractive than other cars. The fact that the motor manufacturers are beginning to realise that security can be a desirable feature is illustrated by the inclusion of improved locks on the Ford Granada and some other models. So far as laminated side windows are concerned, this is being studied from the aspect of both security and safety.

Lord Underhill

My Lords, the noble Viscount's Answer is very encouraging indeed. However, how far is the problem also due to the amount of street parking that there is, in particular in inner city areas, because there is no room at all for hard standings in front of houses and because there is a complete absence of garages? Also is there an absence of local policing?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, with respect, that is outside the scope of this Question, which is to do with security of cars and car locks.