§ 73. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport what is the present position with regard to the drawing up of a worldwide code of safety standards for motor 203W vehicles; and, in view of the importance of obtaining uniformity in this matter, so as to facilitate the export trade in motor cars, what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to give a lead in the establishment of such a code.
§ Mr. SwinglerSafe design features for motor vehicles have been the subject of recommendations prepared under the aegis of the Economic Commission for Europe. Certain types of motor vehicles sold in the United States of America next year will be required to comply with Initial Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards which were published last January by the United States Department of Commerce. Representatives of that Department attended a special E.C.E. meeting last week to draw up a programme of work taking account of both the European and the United States safety rules. A further meeting under the aegis of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is being held this week. We are well aware of the importance of designing motor vehicles for safety and of achieving international iniformity. The United Kingdom will continue to take a full part in this work and my right hon. Friend will initiate any new approach which may seem to be desirable.