§ Sir Dudley SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government as regards the European Economic Community directive on minimum tread depth for motor car tyres.
§ Mr. Iain MillsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he proposes to take in discussion 565W with fellow EEC Transport Ministers on the EEC directive No. COMS(87)407 to bring harmonisation of tyre tread depth to 1.6mm on certain categories of motor vehicles and of their trailers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyOur views are set out in the explanatory memorandum on the Commission's proposals (8714/87) sent to the Scrutiny Committee on 6 November. No discussion has yet taken place in the Council of Ministers. We shall be opposing the proposals on the grounds that the costs would be substantial — £70 million per year in Britain alone—and the benefits to road safety would not be significant.