§ Mr. WardTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether, in the light of comments made in response to his consultation on motor cycle leg protectors, he is satisfied that there has been no misrepresentation of results in the research carried out by the Transport and Road Research Laboratory.
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§ Mr. Peter BottomleyI am completely satisfied that the laboratory's work has been carried out in a totally unbiased manner and to the highest professional standards, including the publication of methodology and results.
§ Mr. SpeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress is being made by his Department in preparing the specification for motor cycle leg protectors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyFurther tests have been carried out at the Transport and Road Research Laboratory using a wider variety of vehicles and different angles of collision. The results have continued to confirm the potential benefits of well-designed leg protection. Results of independent testing have also been brought to our attention. More testing will be carried out and will include collisions at higher speeds. We are looking at our technical specification in the light of the expert views we have received and of the continuing research. It is our long-established policy and practice to be thoroughly assured of the safety benefits of any specification before steps are taken to propose it in draft regulations.