asked the Minister of Transport he is aware that small cars are often advertised to achieve, with safety, maximum road speeds at which they cannot in an emergency by suddenly braked without danger to other road users and if he will direct the attention of manufacturers to this fact so as to secure a safer vehicle design.

From my close consultations with the manufacturers I have no doubt that they attach great importance to safety in designing their products. I should regret any general tendency to advertise dangerous maximum speeds.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what progress is being made in the development of anti-skid control systems, because when a car is suddenly braked in an emergency there is a liability to skid with a consequent loss of stopping power and directional stability? If we appeal to drivers to be safe in their driving, ought they not to have the knowledge that the cars which they are using are safe to drive?

At present certain cars are fitted with devices to reduce the risk of skidding when the brakes are applied. We are considering improved devices which are being tested, but I do not consider that the compulsory fitment of such devices is appropriate at this stage of their development.