§ Mr. HeddleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to carry out research into the practicality of fitting seat belts on school buses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 21 July 1989]: We are satisfied that it is practicable to fit seat belts in coaches and minibuses, although they would not be justified in city buses.
It is our firm belief, on the basis of all the accident experience, that seat belts can make a major contribution to the survival of accidents in most types of motor vehicle, including coaches and minibuses.
We regard it as one of our priorities, as we work towards a single set of safety requirements for Europe after 1992, that good quality, easy-to-use retractable seat belts should be fitted to all the seats in coaches and minibuses, and that they should be worn. We are taking every opportunity to press the European Commission, the member states and the bus industry on this point.