HC Deb 24 January 1979 vol 961 cc186-7W
24. Mr. Jessel

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the number of lives which would be saved each year by compulsory wearing of seat belts.

Mr. Horam

About 1,000 lives would be saved each year if all front seat occupants of cars and light vans wore their seat belts.

38. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will introduce legislation to require car manufacturers to install rear seat belts.

Mr. Horam

We have already made regulations requiring that, as from certain dates, rear seats of new cars must be fitted with seat belt anchorages. This will enable owners easily to install rear seat belts, and I hope they will do so. We would not feel justified at this stage on going further and requiring the actual fitting of belts, but it is a possibility we mean to keep under review.

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