HC Deb 07 August 1975 vol 897 cc375-6W
Mr. Wrigglesworth

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further measures he intends to introduce to reinforce the inspection of braking systems of public service vehicles.

Dr. Gilbert

It is my firm intention that measures to reinforce the inspection of braking systems be introduced as soon as practicable. There are complex considerations involved and I shall be consulting intrested parties as soon as I am ready to put firm proposals to them, I hope before the end of this year.

Mr. Wrigglesworth

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to have suitable technical standards for the minimum strength requirements for the roofs of coaches.

Dr. Gilbert

Her Majesty's Government, with the Government of the French Republic, is sponsoring a new regulation under the 1958 Geneva Agreement concerning the Adoption of Uniform Conditions of Approval for Motor Vehicle Equipment and Reciprocal Recognition thereof, which contains new standards concerning the structural strength of coaches. It is my intention to incorporate these standards into British law and I shall be consulting manufacturers shortly about a lead-in period for new constructional requirements.

Mr. Wrigglesworth

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make it compulsory for all public service vehicles to have supplementary braking systems fitted;

(2) what representations he has received about the fittings of supplementary braking systems on public service vehicles; and what types of devices have been suggested.

Dr. Gilbert

I have received suggestions that I consider making supplementary braking system compulsory on public service vehicles, and I am looking into the matter.

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