HC Deb 18 March 1982 vol 20 cc153-4W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what official positions are held within his Department by Dr. John Havard, secretary of the British Medical Association and Dr. Andrew Raffles, both members of the medical committee on accident prevention; whether it was with his authority that they have issued statements to the effect that 7,000 or so seat belt exemption certificates are liable to be issued; and what are the terms and conditions of issuing such certificates.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will obtain from Dr. John Havard and Dr. Andrew Raffles, member and chairman of the medical committee on the prevention of accidents, a copy of their public statement issued on 2 March.

Mrs. Chalker

My right hon. Friend invited the medical commission on accident prevention to prepare guidelines to assist members of the medical profession when considering whether to issue medical certificates of exemption. The commission has placed copies of these guidelines in the Library. The guidelines affect neither Parliament's right of decision on the regulations, which will be laid in due course, nor the right of individual doctors to make their own decision on applications made to them. Neither Dr. Havard nor Dr. Raffles holds any position within the Department. The figure of 7,000 medical exemption certificates was merely an illustration of the numbers which might be issued if the experience of this procedure in Sweden were to apply in this country.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what fee will be chargeable by doctors signing certificates of exemption from wearing seat belts for medical reasons; whether arrangements will be made to reimburse disabled people who cannot afford to pay this sum; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

We are currently in discussion with the British Medical Association about fees, so I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement. I will consider all the representations with great care.