§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions he has had with(a) mobile telephone manufacturers and (b) car manufacturers on the safety of mobile phones in cars; [186393]
(2) what research his Department has carried out into technical solutions for blocking the use of hand-held mobile phones in cars. [186394]
§ Mr. JamiesonRepresentatives of mobile phone and bar manufacturers have been involved in discussions with the Department for Transport on a new European Directive that will replace the current Directive 95/54/EC on electromagnetic compatibility. This requires cars to have a minimum level of immunity to interference such that electronic devices, including mobile phones, do not cause malfunctions of the vehicle's electronics.
1335WThe Department has not carried out any research into technical solutions for blocking the use of hand-held mobile phones in cars. A driver can use a hand-held phone when he is not driving and a passenger can use a mobile phone at any time and for emergencies.