§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve safety standards on buses and coaches used to transport children to school; if he will specify the regulations which govern the transport of children to school; what proposals he has to amend these regulations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMatters relating to the safety of school transport including regulations are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.574W The Department of Transport is currently considering the full technical and cost implications of fitting seat belts to all seats in minibuses and coaches and matters such as the three for two concession.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has agreed to a request from Strathclyde regional council for a capping disregard for additional current expenditure in 1994–95 in respect of the additional cost to the council of dropping the three for two rule on dedicated school transport contract vehicles and requiring the fitting of seat belts on all contract minibuses.