§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he intends to issue guidance to local education authorities prohibiting the use of vehicles(a) specifically designed to carry standing passengers and (b) without seatbelts, for the transportation of school children. [150806]
§ Mr. HillI have no plans to issue guidance to local education authorities prohibiting the use of vehicles specifically designed to carry standing passengers or those without seat belts for the transportation of school children. As I stated in my answer of 26 February 2001,Official Report, column 315W, it is ultimately for the schools and local education authorities to ensure the vehicles they will be using are appropriate for the type of journeys planned, and in so doing to take the safety benefits of seat belts into account.