Motor Cars (Safety)

Mr. Knox
asked as Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to ensure that motor car bodies fulfil certain minimum requirements in terms of strength as a safety measure.

Mr. Horam
The national type approval regulations, which come into effect on 1st October, enforce requirements relating to the protection of car occupants in a collision, in particular, the strength of door latches and hinges, seat belts and their anchorages, and the steering mechanism. Other possibilities, including protection against rear and side impacts, and the strength and height of bumpers are being examined in bodies concerned with developing international standards in this field.