HC Deb 31 January 1994 vol 236 c503W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what maintenance checks, other than the regular Ministry of Transport test, are carried out by his Department before a minibus permit is issued to an organisation.

Mr. Key

Before a minibus permit is issued by the Traffic Commissioner, the person authorised by the body applying for the permit must sign a declaration on behalf of its members thatthe body will make proper arrangements so that any vehicle used under the permit will comply with the appropriate construction requirements and conditions of fitness, will be kept fit and serviceable and that regular maintenance inspection; will be carried out".

In addition, the person must provide the name and address of the person(s) or garage who will maintain and service the vehicle and attach a written maintenance contract or letter of agreement from the person or garage doing the work and indicate how often safety checks will be made on the vehicle.

The issuing of permits by designated bodies and local authorities is their own responsibility.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what checks are carried out by his Department on the conduct and repute of applicants for minibus permits before such permits are issued.

Mr. Key

Minibus permits are not issued by the Department. They may be issued from three sources: bodies designated by the Secretary of State by statutory instrument, which are national voluntary bodies and may issue permits only to their own branches and affiliated organisations; local authorities which may issue permits to their own departments or schools under their control; and the Traffic Commissioners who may issue them to other eligible local bodies concerned with education, religion, recreation or social welfare.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many minibus permits issued by the traffic area office network were revoked for poor maintenance during the last three years.

Mr. Key

None.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many minibus permits were issued by traffic area offices in 1993.

Mr. Key

A total of 1,407.