§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to lay down standards for the safety of minibuses equivalent to that required for the occupants of other forms of fare-paying passenger transport; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellEach class of vehicle used for fare paying passenger transport is subject to appropriate safety standards which have regard to the particular constructional characteristics of that class. The requirements for minibuses are set out in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will initiate any studies to monitor the effect of increased minibus passenger travel on the rate of accidents involving minibuses.
§ Mr. David MitchellAccidents involving minibuses are monitored through the accident reporting system, and I shall watch the situation carefully.