§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce a system of tyre specification and minimum quality with appropriate inspection of manufacturers and dealers.
§ Mr. MulleyA European system of tyre markings and specifications is at a fairly advanced stage of preparation. If and when international agreement is reached I shall consider its introduction here. The precise nature of the inspections to be carried out is among the issues remaining to be resolved: there would be formidable problems in arranging effective inspection of all tyre dealers.
§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has studied the newly introduced type of tyre; and whether he will take steps to encourage the fitting of such tyres with a view to eventual regulations requiring such "fail-safe" tyres in the interests of road safety.
§ Mr. MulleyIf my hon. Friend is referring to the type of tyre which can under certain circumstances be safely used when deflated, the answer is that my Department has studied it. Regulations permitting the use of such tyres in the "run-flat" condition were introduced 309W last year and I understand the tyres are now being fitted as optional original equipment on certain new cars. It is much too soon to contemplate their mandatory fitting to all cars.