HC Deb 02 February 1987 vol 109 c677
6. Mr. Gerald Howarth

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has for the number of minibus services now in operation.

The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Mr. David Mitchell)

I estimate that there are more than 150 towns and cities with minibus services, and the number is growing.

Mr. Howarth

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is thanks to the Government's legislation that impetus has been given to the introduction of these new services, which are nowhere better illustrated than in Cannock, where Midland Red (North) has not only introduced a service but created more jobs? Can my hon. Friend tell us whether British coachbuilders have been able to benefit from the new policy?

Mr. Mitchell

The Transport Act 1985 undoubtedly unlocked enterprise and innovation that had been smothered by over-heavy regulation. On the second part of my hon. Friend's question, most minibuses have United Kingdom-built bodies on a variety of United Kingdom and overseas chassis. Metro-Cammell Weymann and Optare have introduced completely new vehicles.

Mr. David Marshall

In view of the increasing popularity of minibus travel, does the Minister agree that passengers should expect and have the right to the same form of protection in the event of an accident as with other forms of transport? Will the Minister conduct research into safety standards with a view to introducing regulations to enforce rear seat belts on all seats and anti-burst catches on rear locks?

Mr. Mitchell

If there was any reason to believe that that would make a significant contribution to extra safety for passengers on minibuses we would look at it, but so far we have not had any reason to believe that there is a problem.

Sir Fergus Montgomery

Is my hon. Friend aware that a commercial operator is introducing a service with more than 200 minibuses to run new services in the Manchester area? Will he confirm that that boon to residents in the Manchester area is because of the Transport Act 1985?

Mr. Mitchell

Not only do I confirm that my hon. Friend is right, but I find it significant that the minibus operator concerned has chosen to go to Manchester. He is obviously picking on areas which are least efficient in their existing operations.