§ Mr. OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that the European Community directives on seat belts and seat belt anchorages make provision for seat belts in minibuses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe have already secured amendment of the relevant directives to require seat belt fitment on all front seats and those not directly behind another seat. Our regulations implementing this apply to all minibuses and coaches registered on or after 1 October 1988.
We are negotiating to extend the European Community directives to all other seats in minibuses and coaches with a view to this being adopted by 1992.
763WWe strongly advise anyone buying a new minibus to specify fitment of good easy-to-use seat belts.