To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evidence was used to justify the increase in tyre tread depth requirement from 1 mm to 1.6 mm; and if he will make a statement.

The increased tyre tread depth regulation was introduced in response to a mandatory requirement of EC directive 89/459. In its explanation of the expected impact on business costs and jobs, the EC Commission justified the measure on the basis that, among other things, it would result in an increase in road safety and a reduction in, and diminution in the costs of, accidents. The opinion of the Government was set out in explanatory memorandum 8714/87.