§ 30. Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONESasked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the large number of road accidents resulting from the presence on the roads of defective motor vehicles, he will consider the advisability of making regulations to ensure that all motor vehicles are periodically inspected by qualified motor mechanics and certificates of fitness obtained after such inspection?
§ Mr. PYBUSThe proportion of accidents on roads due to mechanical defects is not large, and I have not hitherto exercised my powers under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, to make regulations for the inspection of brake and steering gear. I have no power to require that certificates of fitness should be obtained for vehicles other than public service vehicles. A systematic inspection such as that suggested by my hon. Friend could only be carried out at great expense.
§ Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONESIs it not possible that something might be done with a view to having a certificate of fitness produced at the same time as the certificate of insurance is produced to the licensing authority?
§ Mr. PYBUSThat would involve a very costly system of inspection which I should not care to impose.