§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate, in the light of the latest road casualty figures and in comparison with those for previous periods, 109W how many fatal accidents and how many serious injuries would have been avoided had the wearing of rear seat belts been compulsory.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI shall answer this question shortly.
§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost to the motor industry of the compulsory installation of anchorage points for rear seat belts on new vehicles.
§ Mrs. ChalkerMotor manufacturers have been required to install rear seat belt anchorage points in new cars since October 1981. The Department does not have information on the costs of complying with this requirement.
§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will introduce legislation to require all children carried in the rear of vehicles to wear approved seat belts or other restraining harness or appliance, when the vehicle is outside areas where the 30-mile-an-hour speed limit restriction applies.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am strongly in favour of children being restrained in suitable devices on all journeys, not just those at speeds of over 30 mph. However, I do not feel that this is a matter for legislation. There are a wide variety of types of restraints available and it is the responsibility of parents to choose those most suitable for their family circumstances.