Cars (Child Safety Restraints)

HC Deb 28 July 1988 vol 138 cc608-9W

Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Government are considering any cash incentives for the purchase of car safety seats, with a view to encouraging their take-up; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

No. People who can afford a car can afford either to buy the child restraints necessary to carry their children safely, or to take advantage of one of the many loan schemes now operating.

More important is the question of information and publicity. The Child Accident Prevention Trust recently published an excellent report, "The Safety of Children in Cars". We are discussing with the CAPT how to take forward its recommendations on increasing the use of child restraints by voluntary means.