HC Deb 18 July 1990 vol 176 cc586-7W
Mr. Moate

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy with regard to the compulsory wearing of seat belts in the rear of cars; and what are the latest figures for deaths of, and serious injuries to, unrestrained rear seat passengers.

Mr. Atkins

In 1988, a total of 307 rear seat passengers who were unrestrained or not reported as having been restrained were killed and 3,756 seriously injured. Research shows that some two-thirds of these casualties could have been saved if all rear seat passengers wore seat belts.

Mandatory wearing by children was introduced in September 1989. Now that the majority of cars have rear belts fitted, the time is approaching when it would be reasonable to consider the introduction of mandatory wearing by adults.