§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider introducing measures on safety standards in riding hats.
§ Mr. FletcherA new British standard for protective hats for horse and pony riders (BS 6473) came into effect on 29 February this year. This new standard sets significantly higher safety criteria than the previous one. My Department will be discussing with the equestrian societies which were involved with the production of the standard the best ways of promoting its use. I have no intention at present of introducing statutory requirements.