HC Deb 24 June 1998 vol 314 cc535-6W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what is his estimate of the number of coaches currently in service built with anchorage points able to accommodate seat belts as part of the integral design; [46738]

(2) what is his estimate of the number of coaches currently in service which were not built to accommodate seat belts. [46737]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Precise figures are not available. In coaches registered since 1988, certain exposed seats would have been designed to take belts, and it is likely that other seating positions in these vehicles would have been similarly constructed even though belts were not fitted at the time of manufacture. Older vehicles are less likely to have been designed for seat belts. While this does not necessarily mean that seat belts cannot be fitted to these vehicles, it may be necessary to carry out structural modifications to ensure that seat belts and anchorages can be satisfactorily installed.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent changes there have been in the advice his Department gives on the positioning of seat belts; and what were the reasons for each change. [46795]

Ms Glenda Jackson

We have not changed our advice relating to the correct positioning of seat belts. However, we have recently made it clear that belts in minibuses, buses and coaches with a lap strap that sits anywhere between the wearer's pelvis and the upper quarter of the thigh should be treated as acceptably positioned for the purposes of the forthcoming MOT check. This is generally in line with the positioning permitted by the latest amendment to the European seat belt directive.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what tests his Department has(a) carried out and (b) evaluated concerning the ability of vinyl-covered pipe lagging around tubular frames on bus seats to protect seat-belt users in an impact. [46740]

Ms Glenda Jackson

None. The requirements for padding are based on characteristics related to energy absorption, regardless of the material used.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what evidence his Department has evaluated which supports the use of seat belts over the legs as safe practice; and if he will make a statement. [46739]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Ideally, a lap belt, or the lap section of a three point belt, should lie across the pelvis. However, bearing in mind the differences between seat shapes and between one wearer and another, it is inevitable that there will be some variation in the way the strap lies across the body. In cases where a belt cannot lie across the pelvis, it has long been accepted that it is far better for it to lie across the strong upper thigh rather than the vulnerable abdominal region.