§ Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has had on the safety of visors on motor-cycle helmets; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Horam:The Department has received a small number of reports about the possibility of accidents having been caused by motor cyclists wearing visors that were either tinted, badly scratched or both tinted and scratched. Although no direct requests have been made for legislative action to deal with the problem, the Department in 1975 initiated a revision of the British standard on eye protectors and this revision is due to be published early in the New Year. The revised standard will be applied to any visor which is fitted as original equipment to a helmet that is submitted for approval.
A smaller number of reports of injuries being caused by visors broken in accidents has also been brought to the attention of the Department. This is not thought to be a serious problem, but the situation is being kept under review.