§ Miss Joan Lestorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evaluation has been made of the differences in the effective application between the inertia reel seat belt and the fixed seat belt.
§ Mr. HoramI have been asked to reply.
Both types of seat belt play a major part in saving lives and serious injuries, and investigations of accidents have shown no significant difference in their performance. Both in this country and abroad it is found that inertia reel belts are more readily worn than static belts, and they are now fitted to most new cars. We are continuing to address research to improving the comfort and convenience of seat belts, and the safeguards against the risk of failure.