HC Deb 21 July 1997 vol 298 cc422-3W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that children are not carried in the United Kingdom on coaches that do not have seat belts fitted. [9793]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Children who are taken on organised trips in newer coaches in Britain already have to be provided with a seat belt. From 10 February next year, seat belts will also have to be provided for children in older coaches first used before 1 October 1988. Similar arrangements will apply in Northern Ireland from 1 September this year. Enforcement of these regulations is a matter for the police.