§ Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to require that all self-drive hire cars are equipped with rear seat belts.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyAll cars, including self-drive hire cars, first used from 1 April 1987 are required to be fitted with rear seat belts or child restraints. We have no plans to extend this requirement to any type of car registered before this date. We hope that all concerned—the car hire firms and their customers—will consider on a voluntary basis, the safety advantages of fitting and using rear seat belts.