HL Deb 08 February 1983 vol 438 c1221WA
Lady Saltoun

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make available to the House the number and particulars of cases where refusal of exemption from the wearing of seat belts has resulted in:

  1. (a) expense to the persons concerned, or
  2. (b) inability to continue to drive a motor vehicle because the person concerned is unable to fasten or release the belt unaided.

Lord Lucas of Chilworth

Doctors are not required by the law to inform us where they refuse to issue a certificate. Such information is available only in respect of free examinations at DHSS Medical Boarding Centres. Within the free examination service, I know of only one case where a person refused a certificate has alleged that this refusal would lead to his being unable to drive if he had to wear a seat belt. My right honourable friend has arranged for him to have a further free examination.