§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the British Government's current position on the statutory introduction of passenger seat belts on coaches manufactured within the European Union;
(2) what progress he has made in asking the other members of the European Union to introduce the statutory 603W installation of passenger seat belts on coaches manufactured within the European Union; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what representations he has received on improving the safety of passengers travelling on minibuses or coaches; what the Government's current position is on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyWe have been discussing with the European Commission for some years the desirability of amending the directives which deal with the fitting of seat belts in coaches. To date, however, there has not been the support necessary front EC member states for the Commission to make seat belt fitment on all seats a mandatory requirement.
We have received a great number of representations from a wide range of organisations and individuals, making various suggestions which they feel would improve the safety of minibus and coach travel.
We are currently reviewing the full technical and cost implications of seat belts in coaches. Until this review is complete and we have full reports on the tragic accidents which happened last year, it would not be wise to consider making further regulations in this area.