HC Deb 09 February 1983 vol 36 cc367-8W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many seat belt exemption certificates have been paid for from public funds.

Mrs. Chalker

The latest information available is that 98 medical exemption certificates have been issued, from a total of 492 examinations which have been paid for from public funds.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications there have been for exemption certificates for seat belts from people who because of physical disability are unable to put on belts; in how many cases the applications were rejected; whether there were any special circumstances justifying the refusals; and if he will ensure that the regulations are so implemented that physical inability to put on a belt will lead to the issue of an exemption certificate.

Mrs. Chalker

The only information on applications for exemption certificates available to my Department is in respect of free examinations provided for those on low incomes or who are disabled, through DHSS medical boarding centres. This is limited to overall numbers of applications for free examinations and certificates issued. Unless specific cases are drawn to our attention by individuals applying for exemption the Department would not know the medical reasons for the application.

The decision whether to issue a certificate of exemption is entirely a matter for the doctor in the circumstances of each individual case. It is not for Ministers to interpret the law, but it seems reasonable to regard the putting on and taking off of a seat belt as an integral part of the process of wearing. It would therefore be reasonable for a doctor to take into account any problems involved in putting on the belt in considering whether to issue a certificate.