asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to make compulsory the fitting of rear mudflaps on motor vehicles.

An investigation by the Road Research Laboratory has shown that mudflaps, with improved mudguards can reduce spray behind some commercial vehicles, but they are of little benefit on private cars, especially when travelling at speed.There is therefore no reason to make the fitting of mudflaps generally compulsory but we are seeking the co-operation of the motor industry in making improvements in commercial vehicles.