§ 85. Mr. Chapmanasked the Minister of Transport whether she will make a statement on her consultations with the British Motor Corporation about an alleged defect in a steering part of their 1100 and Mini models.
§ Mrs. CastleI would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made to the House on 18th February.
Mr. Alan Williamsasked the Minister of Transport what evidence she has accumulated of steering component defects, which could be a danger to safety, in British Motor Corporation Mini and 1100 c.c.-model cars.
§ Mrs. CastleSince 22nd February, 1964, my Department has investigated 8 reports in which the front wheel drive constant velocity joint of a British Motor Corporation vehicle had been found defective. Six of the vehicles concerned had not been involved in an accident, but had been the subject of complaint by their drivers; and the other 2 had been involved in fatal accidents. A further 14 reports have been investigated of fatal accidents in which cars with such joints were involved. None of the reports involving accidents has justified a conclusion that the accident was caused by a deficiency in the steering components.