HC Deb 22 July 1996 vol 282 cc8-9W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate his Department has made of the number of incorrectly fitted seat belts in coaches; [38551]

(2) what estimate his Department has made of the reduction in injuries likely to occur as a result of the fitting of three-point seat belts in coaches. [38550]

Mr. Norris

No estimate has been made.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress his Department is making in relation to the introduction of three-point seat belts in coaches. [38549]

Mr. Norris

My Department successfully sought early implementation dates for seat belts in coaches during negotiations on amending the European directive on seat belts. The directive will require three-point seat belts, or lap belts with energy-absorbing seats, from 1 October 1997 for new vehicle types and 1 October 1999 for all new vehicle registrations.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the safety coach seat designed by the Cranfield impact centre; and what proposals he has to ensure the mandatory introduction of this seat type on new coaches. [38552]

Mr. Norris

The Cranfield project demonstrated the technical feasibility of energy-absorbing seats which could be fitted with a three-point seat belt. It resulted in one technical solution, which may not necessarily be a viable commercial product.

I have no plans to require the mandatory fitment of this type of seat.

Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans Her Majesty's Government have to introduce the compulsory fitting of seat belts on coaches operating in the United Kingdom; [38644]

(2) what recent changes have occurred in European Union legislation which allow Her Majesty's Government to legislate for the compulsory fitting of seat belts in coaches travelling the United Kingdom. [38645]

Mr. Norris

Earlier this year, agreement was reached on an amendment to an EC directive which will require seat belts to be fitted in all new coaches. To comply with the directive, all new types of coaches from 1 October 1997 will be required to be fitted with three-point belts or lap belts with energy absorbing seats. This will be extended to all new registrations two years later. We intend to implement the requirements of the directive as soon as practicable.