HC Deb 14 June 1994 vol 244 cc515-6W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the letter sent to him by Directorates-General VII of the European Commission regarding legislation to implement stricter safety laws for buses and coaches.

Mr. Key

I am not aware of any letter sent to my right hon. Friend by DG VII. However, I have arranged for a copy of a press notice issued by DG VII on 11 November 1993 to be placed in the Library.

Mr. Simon Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to improve transport safety through the extended use of seat belts.

Mr. Key

I have to hand the report of the review of the technical and cost implications of fitting seat belts to all seats in minibuses and coaches. I hope to be able to announce the conclusions shortly.

Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much will be spent by his Department on research into bus and coach safety in 1994–95; and how much has been spent so far in 1994–95.

Mr. Key

Some £360,000 has been allocated to bus and coach research in 1994–95. The projects have not yet started.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research information he has on the relative risks of coach travel in(a) exposed seats and (b) positions with a high back in front (i) with a seat belt and (ii) without a belt.

Mr. Key

There is no research permitting direct comparison of the relative risks associated with these features. However, coach and car accident data taken with seat belt research concentrated primarily on cars can tell us much about the potential benefits of belts, both lap and three-point, in coaches. There is strong evidence that ejection from coaches, particularly in roll-over accidents, accounts for a significant proportion of fatalities. Seat belts help in such accidents. Ejection cannot, however, be prevented by the use of high backed seats.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will invoke article 36(A) of the treaty of Rome on the grounds of health and safety to introduce legislation requiring United Kingdom registered coaches and minibuses to be fitted with seat belts.

Mr. Key

My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so. Such vehicles can already, where appropriate, be fitted with seat belts.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects to complete his Department's inquiry into the fitting of seat belts in coaches and minibuses; and if he will make a statement;

(2) when he expects to announce the conclusions of the inquiry into the cost and technical aspects of fitting seat belts to coaches and minibuses; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Key

My right hon. Friend now has the report to hand and hopes to be able to make an announcement shortly.