§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what further plans he has to review the legislation which governs the operation of school bus services, with particular reference to seat belts, supervision and bus capacity, and if he will make a statement. [39168]
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§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonTransport safety matters are primarily the responsibility of the Department of Transport. Following a public consultation earlier this year my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport intends to lay this autumn the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and the Public Service Vehicles (Carrying Capacity) Regulations. These regulations, which will extend to Scotland, will require lap belts to be fitted to all minibuses and coaches when they are being used specifically to transport children under the age of 16 and end the "three for two" concession to public service vehicles whereby three children under the age of 14 may share a double seat when seat belts are fitted. There are no plans to introduce legislation governing the supervision of school children. Arrangements for the supervision of children on school transport is entirely a matter for each education authority to determine.