asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will require car manufacturers to provide in all new vehicles, as standard equipment, first-aid kits and fire extinguishers.

Not at present, but I am reviewing the need for first-aid kits.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that encouraging reply. Will he accept that, in view of the increasing number of serious crashes on motorways and other fast roads, the provision of such safety equipment could possibly save a great number of lives?

Yes, I entirely agree that there is a lot in what my hon. Friend says and I hope that people will be persuaded to provide such equipment. However, to make the matter compulsory is to raise once again the very difficult question of enforcement. Moreover, there is always the danger, when first-aid kits have happily not had to be used before, that when they are opened for the first time they are found to be totally unservicable.