§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, from the information available to him, he will publish details of regulations adopted by other EEC countries with regard to the wearing of seat belts, specifying the main exemptions and rules regarding children.
§ Dr. GilbertThe following is the information immediately available.
Belgium—The wearing of seat belts in the front seats of cars is compulsory. Persons (including children) under 1.5 metres in height are among the exempt categories. Children under 12 years old must sit in the back.
Denmark—Wearing of seat belts in front seats of cars is compulsory, with no exemptions for children.
France—The wearing of seat belts in the front seats of cars is compulsory, out-side built-up areas, for both adults and children. Children too small to wear a three point seat belt must be carried in rear seats.
Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg—The wearing of seat belts in the front seats of cars is compulsory. Persons (including children) under 1.5 metres in height are among the exempt categories. Children under 10 years old must not be carried in front seats if there is space for them in the back.
Italy, Ireland—Wearing of seat belts is not compulsory.
If the hon. Member would like further information about other exemptions in EEC countries where the use of seat belts is compulsory perhaps he would write to me.