§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Wyre (Mr. Mans) of 19 July,Official Report, columns 81–82, what progress he has made in establishing a timetable for the compulsory fitting of seat belts on all new minibuses and coaches.
§ Mr. NorrisWe have pressed the Commission on this issue. Work is under way on revised technical proposals on the basis of which we expect the Commission to make a formal proposal for a directive early next year.
§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the relative merits of lap and three-point seat belts in minibuses and coaches.
§ Mr. NorrisAn assessment of the relative merits of lap and three-point belts is contained in the review of the technical and cost implications of the fitment of seat belts in minibuses and coaches, which was published on 19 July. A copy of that report was placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further steps he is taking to encourage manufacturers of minibuses and coaches, and owners of currently operational minibuses and coaches to fit seat belts to vehicles.
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§ Mr. NorrisThe major minibus manufacturers are already fitting seat belts to all seats in their new vehicles as standard equipment.
We take every available opportunity to encourage coach and minibus manufacturers and operators to fit belts in both new and, where practicable, existing vehicles.