HC Deb 09 July 1990 vol 176 c87W
36. Mr. Norman Hogg

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice he has given the bus and coach industry concerning passenger seat belts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State promised the House on 5 June, he met representatives of the Bus and Coach Council on 8 June to discuss the fitting of seat belts in coaches.

The Government believe that operators should provide good quality, easy-to-use retractable seat belts on all seats. Belts are offered for sale by manufacturers, but most operators do not buy them. At the meeting on 8 June, the Bus, and Coach Council undertook to recommend to its members that all new vehicles purchased should in future be equipped with appropriate seat belts on all seats. Officials are meeting the BCC today to explore further how existing vehicles might best be equipped with seat belts.

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