§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many accidents and fatalities were caused in the United Kingdom in 1975, or the last year for which figures are available, due to failure of braking systems on passenger cars.
§ Dr. GilbertI regret that the information requested is not available on a national basis because the resources needed to conduct the necessary in-depth investigations would be disproportionate to the benefits that might be expected. It is, for example, extremely difficult to define the nature and severity of defects, and to standardise the methods of determining which factors were judged to be prime contributory factors in accidents. Special investigations are conducted by the TRRL into the causes of road accidents and I would refer the hon. Member to the leaflets LF 392 Issue 2, published in April 1975, and LF 374, published in June 1973, entitled "Vehicle Defects and Their Contribution to Road Accidents".
§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the British motor industry will have to comply with the European Community Directive on braking for passenger cars sold in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertThe braking systems of new cars manufactured for sale in Great Britain from 1st October 1977 onwards will have to meet the requirements of Council Directive 71/320/EEC except for dual-line systems. I intend to make the requirements for dual-line braking systems as well as the new requirements for the distribution of braking effort, as contained in Commission Directive 75/524/ EEC, mandatory a year later.
§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the minimum efficiency of braking systems 480W for British cars sold in the United Kingdom under the EEC directive on braking for secondary braking systems.
§ Dr. GilbertThe secondary braking system of any new car sold in Great Britain must comply either with Construction and Use Regulation 59, which requires a 25 per cent. braking efficiency, or with Council Directive 71/320/EEC, which specifies maximum stopping distances whose practical effect is equivalent to a requirement for a brakng efficiency of 27 per cent.
§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the announced increases in State retirement pensions and other social security benefits next November, he proposes to make corresponding increases in the needs allowances for the rent and rate rebates and rent allowances; and, if so, when.
§ Mr. FreesonYes. Having consulted the Advisory Committee on Rent Rebate and Rent Allowances, my right hon. Friend proposes to make corresponding increases from next November. Local authorities are being notified of the details by circular letter.