§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, from the information available to him, he will state which countries, prior to introducing the compulsory wearing of seat belts, allowed a preparatory period during which the penal sanctions were not operative: and for what periods.
§ Dr. GilbertIn Norway, where a law imposing compulsory wearing came into force in January 1976, the police have been instructed not to bring prosecutions during the first 12 months of operation.
In West Germany, wearing of belts is required by law but there are no penal sanctions. These may be imposed by order of the Minister if it appears necessary.
538WIn some other countries there has been a short period of non-enforcement at the discretion of the police.