§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will give a list of all new research commissioned by his Department for use in his review into the technical and cost implications of fitting seat belts to both minibuses and coaches; on what date and from which organisation such research was commissioned; if he will place copies of each separate piece of research in the Library; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will publish the full terms of reference given to those individuals and/or organisations invited to carry out his review into the technical and cost implications of fitting seat belts to both minibuses and coaches;
(3) on what date his review was established into the technical and cost implications of fitting seat belts to both minibuses and coaches; on what date a press notice or formal announcement was made of the establishment of this review; which outside individuals and organisations have been appointed to the body carrying out the review; how many meetings have been held by the body set up to carry out the review; and what is his estimate of the cost to date of carrying out the review.
§ Mr. KeyOfficials were asked to review the full technical and cost implications of fitting seat belts to all seats in minibuses and coaches following the M2 accident, which occurred on 10 November.
I first announced to the House that the review was being undertaken in an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Spring), on 29 November 1993, Official Report, column 346. The review made use of existing research and accident data and other industry information.
I have now received the report and hope to be able to announce the conclusions shortly.