55. Mr. Brian Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek to ascertain the effect on road casualties of the compulsory wearing of seat belts in Commonwealth countries.
§ Mr. SpeedMy right hon. Friend is keeping a close watch on the results of compulsory seat belt wearing in Australia and New Zealand.
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56. Mr. Brian Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the amount of money and resources of the National Health Service that is diverted in dealing with road casualties and of the percentage that would be saved by the wearing of seat belts.
§ Mr. PeytonMedical costs of road accidents are estimated to amount to about £18 million annually. If everyone had worn the seat belts fitted in cars in 1971 these costs could have been reduced by about 15 per cent.