§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1), whether he is considering modifying the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1978/1017 to make the fitting of anti-lock braking systems mandatory for the following classifications of vehicles in the interest of public safety: hazardous load carriers, fire engines, vehicle trailers and public service vehicles;
(2) whether he will take steps to ensure that the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1978/1017 follow the requirements of Annex 13 of the European Commission for Europe Regulations No. 13 relating to anti-lock vehicle devices.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe requirements of ECE regulation 13 annex 13 have already been incorporated in the Motor Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations. These regulations now provide for the optional use of anti-lock braking systems to meet certain performance requirements. On present evidence I would not be justified in making these systems mandatory on any of the categories of vehicle mentioned.