§ Baroness Masham of Iltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider there is a case for enforcing the wearing of seat belts in the front passenger seats and the middle back seat as well as the driver's seat of passenger coaches.
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraSeat belt wearing cannot be required at present on passenger coaches since there is no requirement for belts to be fitted to these vehicles.
My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport is exploring with the bus industry the possible introduction of several safety features for coaches, including the mandatory fitting of seat belts to front seats and the middle back seat. It is too soon, however, to consider whether there should be a legal requirement that seat belts be worn in coaches.