§ Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of Transport (1) what was the number of fatal road accidents involving scooter or motor cyclists in 1961, 1962, and 1963, respectively; and what percentage of the riders involved was not wearing protective crash helmets;
159W(2) what was the number of fatal road accidents involving motor cycle or scooter pillion passengers in 1961, 1962, and 1963, respectively; and what percentage of the riders involved was not wearing protective helmets.
§ Mr. MarplesThe following table summarises the available information, which relates to Great Britain:
— 1961 1962 1963 Number of vehicles involved in fatal accidents: Motor scooters 332 323 308 Motor cycles 1,336 1,113 1,089 Number of riders and passengers killed: Motor scooter riders 209 229 212 Motor scooter passengers 38 29 39 Motor cycle riders 975 795 794 Motor cycle passengers 195 151 143 In 1958, 57 per cent. of all riders and passengers killed (including those on mopeds and in sidecars) were not wearing safety helmets. Figures are not available for more recent years, but there is evidence that the wearing of safety helmets has increased.