asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what regulations he has issued to improve the safety of vehicles since he took office; and what further safety measures he has under consideration.

Vehicle safety regulations have been issued concerning seat belts, rear markings for lorries, motorway speed restrictions, prohibition of defective vehicles and extensions to the test scheme. A wide range of further measures is under consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the new regulations are being carried out with reasonableness? Has he borne in mind the need for heavy lorries to have really efficient braking systems? What consideration has he given to the suggestion that all motor cars be fitted with wing mirrors—a suggestion that could prevent many accidents which are believed to occur when vehicles pull out?

The increase in the conspicuousness of rear markings on long vehicles has proved an asset to road safety. I accept the need to consider how best to manage the improvement of braking systems, and we are doing that now. I shall certainly examine the other point to which the hon. Gentleman referred.