§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will announce the outcome of the consultation exercise about the proposal to introduce mandatory seat belt wearing for adults in the rear seats of cars and taxis
§ The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara):The consultation period ran from 16th November 1990 to 31st January 1991. Some 1,100 copies of the consultation document were issued, and to date 81 responses have been received. The Department of Transport has also received a number of letters on this subject in response to press reports, rather than to the consultation document itself. There was overwhelming support for the proposal, including those from PACTS, RoSPA, the police, the motoring organisations and all 36 local authorities which responded. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State is today sending draft regulations to all those who responded, on which 12WA comments are invited by 12th April. Copies have been placed in the Library. The intention is to lay the regulations before Parliament after Easter with a view to implementation on 1st July this year.