§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether, in view of the growing practice of persons having and hiring minibuses to convey large numbers of children and retirement pensioners, football supporters and others, to and from various functions and the fact that these vehicles are often not road tested, and are often driven by persons who are not properly qualified, he will introduce regulations to ensure that all such vehicles and drivers must comply with the same restrictions and possess the same certificates as is the case for public service vehicles and their drivers.
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§ Mrs. Chalker:No. The Minibus Act 1977 made special provision for a regime of permits for minibuses not used with a view to profit, alongside the system for licensing public service vehicle operations. There are currently no road safety or other grounds for restricting the system. This regime has proved its value for thousands of charitable and voluntary bodies throughout the country. I will always welcome suggestions for the improvement of the minibus facility, if the hon. Member wishes to let me have his observations.