§ 49. Mr. Hal Millerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations were held with motor vehicles' assemblers and their component suppliers on the dim-dip regulations; and if he will make a statement about the views of those consulted.
§ Mrs. ChalkerIn addition to discussions that I had with that director and council members of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders during 1983, my officials visited and talked with the leading United Kingdom vehicle manufacturers—British Leyland, Ford and Vauxhall—and a number of component suppliers including Lucas, Ripaults — an important supplier of wiring looms to the vehicle manufacturers—and Stellar Components, who have supplied the motor accessory trade with over 50,000 dim-dip devices.
The component suppliers said that there would be no difficulty about the supply of components, including modified wiring looms. The vehicle manufacturers asked during technical discussion for some changes in the specification and an extended lead time to allow for the development of inexpensive and reliable systems. These changes have been included in the final regulations now laid before Parliament.
The SMMT and the vehicle manufacturers however expressed the view that the dim-dip level of lighting was unnecessary and that any requirement should be 450W introduced as an agreed provision in a European Community directive. Most other organisations consulted welcomed the proposals.