§ Mr. CannTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve safety standards on buses and coaches used to transport children to school; if he will specify the regulations which govern the transport of children to school; what proposals he has to amend these regulations; what plans he has to introduce a capping disregard for additional current expenditure in 1994–95 in respect of the additional cost to a council of dropping the three for two rule on dedicated school transport contract vehicles and requiring the fitting of seat belts on all contract minibuses and school minibuses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyWe are currently considering the full technical and cost implications of fitting seat belts to all seats in all minibuses and coaches. We hope to publish the conclusions shortly.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education has advised me that school transport is governed by section 55 of the Education Act 1944 and there are no plans to amend this legislation.
Independent consultant Consultancy firm Other Total applications Total applicants 1986 3 0 18 21 21 1987 7 1 14 22 21 1988 6 4 14 24 24 1989 6 3 18 27 24 1990 7 6 17 30 29 1991 15 4 9 28 21 1992 6 14 10 30 25 1993 7 7 15 29 28 1994 6 0 3 9 9 Total 63 39 118 220 202 Three of the cases shown were referred to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, in 1986, 1990 and 1991.
All applications submitted have been approved.