To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies his Department has undertaken to examine the feasibility of introducing air bags into vehicles for safety purposes.

The Department is currently studying the experiences of USA and Canada in the application of air bags, in both research conditions and production vehicles. Information from this study will be considered in the development of proposals for an improved European standard for vehicle occupant protection in frontal impacts.There is no restriction on the introduction and use of air-bags in cars in the United Kingdom. It would not be sensible, however, to make fitment compulsory in the absence of an agreed European standard. Meanwhile, seat belts, which are both effective and cheaper to fit than air bags, will remain the main secondary safety feature in vehicles in the United Kingdom.