§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to amend the law on the rules for the wearing of seat belts by children in buses and minibuses with particular reference to church buses. [33309]
§ Mr. MossIt is my intention to introduce new regulations at the earliest opportunity to require the fitment of seat belts on all minibuses and coaches where the purpose of the journey is central to the transport of children, including journeys to and from school. These regulations will replicate proposals announced in February 1996 in Great Britain and will also apply only to minibuses and coaches. There are no plans to extend the requirements to buses.