§ 22. Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now review the categories of exemption from the obligation to wear car safety belts, with particular reference to driving instructors and disabled persons.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am keeping a close watch on all aspects of compulsory wearing. But since it has been in force for only 17 days, it is far too soon to be considering changes to the regulations.
§ 37. Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the initial response to the compulsory wearing of seat belts.
§ Mrs. ChalkerInitial surveys suggest that on Monday 31 January, the first day of compulsory seat belt wearing, the average wearing rate was 90 per cent. This appeared to have risen to around 95 per cent. by Monday 7 February.
§ Mr. Colvinasked the Minister of Transport how many people have so far qualified for exemption from using seat belts.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe have been notified by doctors of the issue of 7,409 certificates of medical exemption from compulsory seat belt wearing.
The latest information available from DHSS medical boarding centres is that 98 medical exemption certificates have been issued within the scheme to provide free examinations.