asked the Minister for the Environment if he proposes to give any consideration to making the use of seat belts compulsory in the rear seats of cars; if he is aware of the findings of recent research in this regard (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Car Seat Belts .
461.
: I have no proposals to make the fitting of seat belts for the rear seats of cars a statutory requirement, nor for the compulsory wearing of such belts in any vehicles in which they may be fitted.
My Department maintains contact with developments in this matter through the appropriate international bodies such as ECMT, EEC and OECD. I should add that to my knowledge, no country has made the wearing of belts in rear seats compulsory.