HC Deb 15 May 1984 vol 60 cc86-7W
Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether, in the light of the murder of two private hire drivers at Heathrow airport, he will amend the law regarding seat belts to exempt such drivers from wearing seat belts; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

Drivers of private hire cars are already exempt from wearing a seat belt when passengers are being carried for hire. This exemption therefore covers the circumstances when they are most vulnerable to assault and I see no grounds for extending it further. I understand there is no suggestion that the wearing of a seat belt was a material factor in the cases mentioned by my hon. Friend.