HC Deb 24 January 1977 vol 924 c483W
Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what study he has made of the use of air bags instead of seat belts in cars; if the progress made in the United States of America has been taken into account; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Horam

There is little that I can add to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 18th January.—[Vol. 924, c.88.] Study has been limited to appraising the substantial programme of research being carried out in the United States of America. I understand that air bags are still at an early stage of development there and that they are much more expensive than seat belts. Their effectiveness as an alternative to seat belts is not yet proven.