Lord ClintonDaviesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the doctrine of subsidiarity is relied on in relation to the European Commission proposals concerning speed limits but is not thought to be appropriate to their call for European Community legislation in connection with provision for compulsory seat belts in buses.
§ Viscount DavidsonThe establishment of Communitywide vehicle construction standards covering safety and environmental protection has been a longstanding and proper activity of the Community. Britain continues to play an active role in developing and pressing for improvements that will cut deaths and injuries, including the standard fitment of seat belts.
The regulation of driving behaviour, on the other hand, through systems of law and enforcement, including the setting of speed limits, is properly the responsibility of individual governments reflecting national differences and requirements.