§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those areas of EC legislation that prevent the British Government introducing the compulsory fitting of seat belts aboard existing coaches and buses. [36684]
§ Mr. NorrisThe Commission has competence to regulate in the area of vehicle standards and, in the case of seat belts in buses and coaches, has introduced standards covering both the seating positions which should be provided with belts and the standards the installations should meet. These requirements are contained in directives 76/115/EEC and 77/541/EEC, both as amended, which cover anchorages and seat belts respectively. Member states may not impose construction standards which go beyond the provisions of those directives.