asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what official representations have been made to him concerning the mandatory wearing of crash helmets by motor cyclists.

The following have written to my Department:

• The National Council of Civil Liberties
• The Society for Individual Freedom
• Several organisations representing motor cyclists
• Several Community Relations Councils and Sikh religious organisations.

Representations have urged exemptions for persons with certain medical conditions, for those whose helmets are lost or stolen, and for Sikhs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of prosecutions in England during 1972 and 1973 of motor cyclists for not wearing crash helmets.

I have been asked to reply.I regret that figures of prosecutions for this offence, which was created on 1st June 1973, are not yet available. My noble Friend the Minister of State will write to my hon. Friend as soon as they are.