§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Minister of Transport (1) if he will make a statement on reports his Department has had about faults on Reliant Robin motor cars which may have contributed to serious accidents:
243W(2) what reports he has received on road accidents involving Reliant Robin motor cars which may have had manufacturing faults; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he has ordered checks on the roadworthiness of Reliant Robin motor cars.
§ Mr. FowlerFaults in Reliant Robin cars brought to the attention of my Department include two in 1974, one involving the risk of wheel hub failure, and the other a chafing fuel pipe. In addition, in 1976, we were told of a fault involving a replacement of the type of steering column, and in 1977 of another involving the strengthening of the steering box mounting bracket. I understand that recall campaigns were carried out by the company in all these cases.
Two fatal accidents involving Reliant Robins have been the subject of reports from the police to my Department. No mechanical defect was found in one case. In the other, which occurred in 1975, an insecure lock nut may have been a contributory cause of a failure in the stabiliser bar for the rear suspension. However, I am greatly concerned to learn of evidence of other faults which have not previously been brought to my Department's attention.
Reliant cars, like others, are subject to the MOT test after three years. My Department is pursuing with the company the further action needed to ensure that any remaining faults in the steering mechanism are dealt with satisfactorily.