HC Deb 09 December 1980 vol 995 cc351-2W
Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Transport why it is necessary to have a ban upon the use of courier seats in coaches, in view of the fact that many of them travel abroad from Devon to the European Community where such seats are allowed.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Seats intended for the use of coach passengers in this country, including couriers, must comply with the Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness, Equipment and Use) Regulations 1972. My Department has in the past waived this requirement for folding courier seats which do not meet the normal safety standards as long as they are clearly marked "not for use in the United Kingdom". The Department has been considering ending this concession, but we will reconsider the question in the light of any representations which my hon. Friend and others would like to make.