§ 14. Mr. CranTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 7 March, Official Report column 98, what further measures he intends to introduce to improve safety for coach users.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe intend to require new coaches to meet European standards for the flammability of coach interiors, the strength of coach seats, and anti-lock braking.
§ Mr. CranNotwithstanding what my hon. Friend has said, does he agree that even after 1 October, in a roll-over, most coach passengers will be unrestrained and will be injured by broken glass from the side windows? If the Consumers' Association is correct in saying that the provision of restraints for all passengers would add 1.7 per cent. to the cost of the coach, does he agree that that would be money well spent and that the Government should encourage it?
§ Mr. BottomleyI shall be happy to discuss that with the British Coach Council. The important point is to try always to deal with the most likely causes of crashes. While pursuing greater coach safety, it is worth remembering that travelling by coach is much safer than travelling in one's car.