§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate how many accidents, in the most convenient three-year period, were caused by defective windscreens.
§ Mrs. ChalkerDefective windscreens are not recorded in reports of accidents submitted to the Department of Transport. It is possible that some police forces may have such information for their own areas, but this is not submitted to the Department.
§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether there is any evidence to suggest that inclusion of a visual check of windscreen condition in the annual vehicle test would contribute to road safety.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI have no reason to believe that defects in windscreens are a significant safety problem. The condition of the windscreen is examined as part of the test for heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles. It is not a specific item in the test for motor cars, although testers are required to state on the test report any non testable defects which in their opinion renders the vehicle dangerous for use on the road.