§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to improve the safety of school bus transport. [94723]
§ Mr. HillThe use of buses is already considered the safest way to transport children to and from schools. With the introduction of seat belts on forward facing seats in coaches and minibuses carrying groups of children on organised trips we have already implemented measures that improve the safety of these vehicles.
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Targets for service delivery for 1 October 1999 to 31 March 2000 Current performance Target Housing benefit determinations (without an inspection). Statutory requirement—5 working days. 60% within 4 working days 65% within 4 working days 71% within 5 working days 80% with 5 working days Housing benefit pre-tenancy determinations. Statutory requirement—5 working days. 65% within 3 working days 70% within 3 working days 95% within 5 working days 99% within 5 working days Housing benefit redeterminations. Statutory requirement—20 working days. 30% within 20 working days 50% within 20 working days Housing renovations grant determinations. Statutory requirement—45 days. 98% within 45 working days 88% within 45 working days A new School Travel Advisory Group has been set up to advise local authorities, school governors and teachers etc. on the best practices for operating school travel. It includes safety as part of its remit.