In other words, the danger that we run into is that the effort to bring about a safer automobile and reduce the death toll, the injuries, and the resulting property damage runs head on into this problem of cost. That is the issue.

In the interest of promoting your own agency's program, I would think that you would want to find out from the manufacturers, in writing, whether or not such an increase in prices is or is not a substantial factor. You have indicated that in your opinion, they are negligible. Secretary BOYD. To the moment.

I have also indicated that we are setting up an office of product cost and leadtime analysis. So that as we get people to do this work, we will inform ourselves on what the costs are of the standards we propose. But up to the moment, I would say that on the January price increase, it was utterly insignificant.

Certainly on some of the things that were involved in the general increase in price on the 1968 models, when they first came out, an increase of an average of $115, added something to the cost. And some safety features will cost money.

I am very much concerned, however, about the Department of Transportation getting into a position of being a price fixer for the automobile industry. I don't think that is our role, and I don't want to get into that.

Senator HARTKE. I am not asking you to be a price fixer and I don't think that was the implication or even the intention of the letter from the Senators Magnuson, Hart, and Mondale.

I do think as a matter of information it is fair for the public to know whether or not the safety features which are required as a result of the action of the Congress are, or are not a part of the cost increase.

Senator HARTKE. I am asking you, if we can expect the Senators who have directed this inquiry to the Department to have a meaningful answer to their inquiry?

Secretary BOYD. We will try to. I am certainly embarrassed that we haven't responded to this before now.

I want to try to put this whole business in some perspective though, Mr. Chairman. We think the results so far as indicative of the programs, are good. We expect to be in business a long time.

As we move down the road and build up our staff, we expect to be able to publish figures on what we caculate the cost to be of various safety requirements which we impose on the manufacturing industry. Senator HARTKE. Without objection, I shall place in the record this green pamphlet, the pamphlet to which you previously referred. (The pamphlet follows:)

Your Role

The most important element of high-
way safety is YOU-you as a driver, a
car owner, a license applicant, a pas-
senger, a pedestrian, a motorcyclist,
and a citizen. With your support, Fed-
eral, State, and local government pro-
grams are making your roads safer;
automobiles are being built to higher
safety standards. But your proper use
and maintenance of your car and your
observance of good safety practices
such as always wearing safety belts -
also are vital in reducing highway in-
juries and deaths.

What, then, is your responsibility as a
driver and citizen? It includes following
these safe driving practices: