§ Mr. Goldingasked the Minister of Transport if he will take immediate steps to improve the safety of crash helmets; and whether he will make a statement on the efficiency of strap-fixing rivets on present designs.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMotor cyclists' helmets sold in this country must comply with British Standards BS 2495: 1977, or BS 5361: 1976. Recent investigations have shown that the standards ought to include more stringent requirements for chin straps, and the British Standards Institution has accordingly been preparing amendments which, it is hoped, will be finalised early next year. My right hon. Friend proposes to make regulations344W as soon as practicable thereafter to give them mandatory effect. He will invite manufacturers, as soon as the new British Standard requirements are settled, to ensure voluntarily that their future production complies with them.
§ Mr. Goldingasked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to ban the sale of polycarbonate and ABS crash helmets.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have no evidence to warrant such action. However, helmets made from thermoplastic materials such as these are liable to deteriorate in strength if painted or treated with solvents. Labels with an appropriate warning have to be affixed to helmets on sale.