§ Ian LucasTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will carry out an assessment of the safety implications of allowing three children to travel on seats designed for two on school buses. [159860]
§ Mr. JamiesonI have no plans to carry out an assessment of the safety implications of the three for two allowance as I have no evidence or data to support an argument that it represents a risk to child safety. Three for two is a concession, which local authorities may apply if they wish, and not a requirement.
I also refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 14 January 2004, Official Report, column 746W to my hon. Friend the Member for Monmouth (Mr. Edwards), concerning the carriage of children in buses and the three for two allowance.