§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to mitigate the impact of the new EC crash test standards on the costs of UK-based motor manufacturers. [57789]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 4 November 1998]I have been asked to reply.
We welcome the introduction of the new European front and side impact standards which represent a valuable step forward in making cars which are subject to EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval safer. The standards have applied to new designs since 1 October this year, but will not apply to existing car designs until 1 October 2003. We believe the timescales in the Directive will allow vehicle manufacturers to incorporate modifications at the design 59W and development stage as models are changed or updated. As the new standards apply across the whole of Europe, the cost of designing to them must fall to industry.