HC Deb 29 March 1977 vol 929 cc103-4W
Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if any estimate has been made of the cost in total to motor cyclists of having to wear crash helmets.

Mr. Horam

I regret that this information is not available. Helmets manufactured to the approved British Standards may be purchased from about £10, although some helmets cost much more than this. It is not known how many motor cycle riders and pillion passengers there are, but in 1976 the estimated number of licensed motor cycles was 1,270,000. In 1973, when the wearing of crash helmets was made compulsory, there were 1,006,000 licensed motor cycles. About three-quarters of all riders were then wearing helmets voluntarily.