§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of new scientific evidence, she will make an order that the car safety-belts, which must compulsorily be fitted in new cars after 1st April, 1967, are of the highest safety standards and capable of resisting an impact of 30g.
§ Mr. SwinglerNo. Analysis of the results of the use of seat belts in actual accidents as distinct from dynamic rig tests with dummies shows that serious injuries were reduced by 70 per cent. when the existing seat belts were worn, that less than a half per cent. of the seat belts failed and that even then little or no injuries occurred to the wearer.
Seat belts to the British Standard are already very strong and the Standard is continuously under revision. But strength is not the only criterion and careful consideration has to be given to the increasing risk of injuries caused by the 258W seat belts themselves. I am advised that to strengthen the seat belt to resist an impact of 30g. would certainly increase the risk.