§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department are taking to achieve in-built motor vehicle crime prevention and to have part I and part VI of the relevant British standards made obligatory for manufacturers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeWe presented proposals to the European Commission first in 1988 and in revised form in May 1990 to include in the EC directive on vehicle security requirements for mechanical locking systems based on part 1 of the British standard BS AU 209. These proposals have so far been resisted by some other member states; but with the co-operation of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders we intend to submit later this year further proposals and press for their early adoption. We are also preparing proposals for further amendment to the EC directive based on parts 5 and 6 of BS AU 209 covering central and dead locking systems. We are currently considering other possibilities for improving vehicle security but until we obtain agreement to an amended EC directive, our freedom to regulate is limited.