§ 55. Mr. Stottasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has about the relative safety of toughened and laminated windscreen glass; and what representations he has received on this subject.
§ Dr. GilbertReports on the accident performance of windscreen glass from competent research bodies at home and abroad indicate that there is insufficient evidence to justify making either toughened or laminated safety glass compulsory to the exclusion of the other. My Department maintains close contact with the motor manufacturing and glass industries on this sort of vehicle safety problem. I have recently received some 20 letter on this subject.
§ 62. Sir John Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider proposing making it compulsory for toughened glass windscreens to be replaced by plastic windscreens on the grounds of public safety.
§ Dr. GilbertNo. Plastic windscreens are permissible, but are seldom used except for manufacturers' prototypes and for replica cars. I would not recommend them for general use because they scratch too easily.