§ Mr. Beaumont-DarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many organisations or individuals have notified his Department that they are wholly in favour of the introduction of leg protectors for motor cycles;
(2) how many organisations have been consulted on his proposals to introduce leg protectors on motor cycles;
(3) what extent the research into proposed leg protectors for motor cycles has established that they will not, in the event of accidents, subject the rider to greater danger in terms of injury or death;
(4) if he will make a statement on the extent of the research into leg protectors for motor cycles carried out by his Department, particularly that research relating to the transfer of injuries to parts of the body other than the lower leg.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyA draft specification for leg protectors was sent to 26 organisations for comment. Of the 13 who responded three expressed support for the principle of leg protectors. The TRRL's research which includes over 50 impact tests so far, took as a main objective the avoidance of injuries to other parts of the body, including the head. The specification fully achieves this objective. We are making some detailed amendments in the light of comments received. I will send a video of the tests to my hon. Friend shortly and make a copy available in the Library.