HL Deb 25 January 1973 vol 338 c377WA
VISCOUNT FURNESS

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider to be desirable,

  1. (a) the use of seat belts by taxi-drivers and drivers of chauffeur-driven hire cars, and
  2. (b) the provision of seat belts in the rear passenger seats of taxis and chauffeur-driven hire cars,
and, if so, whether they will make regulations accordingly.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)

It is very desirable, for reasons of safety, that taxi-drivers (and, indeed, all occupants of cars) should wear seat belts. The law already requires belts to be fitted in the front seats of taxis and hire cars and Her Majesty's Government are considering whether regulations requiring belt anchorage points to be provided in the rear seats of new vehicles would be justified. Anchorage points are a necessary prerequisite to the fitting of belts.