HC Deb 11 June 1990 vol 174 cc71-2W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department is planning research into the design of the fittings used to adapt vehicles to carry wheelchair passengers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

My Department has a continuing programme of research, in close co-operation with industry, looking at the design and operational effectiveness of wheelchair restraints and occupant harnesses and the means by which they are fitted to vehicles.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents involving vehicles specially adapted to carry wheelchair passengers have occurred for each of the past 10 years, by region; and how many wheelchair passengers were (i) injured and (ii) killed in these accidens.

Mr. Atkins

The information requested is not available, as it is not recorded on STATS 19 accident report form.