§ Mr. AdleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if the Transport and Road Research Laboratory has undertaken research into the possible relationship between vehicles fitted with fuel injection systems and post-accident fires; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what information he has received from chief constables of police on the incidence of post-accident fires in motor vehicles fitted with fuel injection systems; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Transport and Road Research Laboratory is currently conducting research into rear impacts and the associated fire risk of disruption to the fuel system. The research also covers electrically sourced fires which have previously been identified as one of the major causes of vehicle fires.
Further research is being considered to establish other causes of vehicle fires, of which fuel injection would be one of many factors to be taken into account.
Following discussions with my Department, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has already recommended to its members to fit devices to isolate high-pressure fuel injuection pumps in the event of a collision, so as to reduce the fire risk from this source. It is also investigating the causes of under-bonnet fires.