§ 49. Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the widespread anxiety concerning the un-roadworthiness of many second-hand cars offered for sale at the present time; and, in view of the necessity for taking any measures calculated to reduce the toll of road accidents, whether he will introduce legislation making it compulsory for all cars to be sold with certificates of roadworthiness.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Gurney Braithwaite)No, Sir. There is no evidence that accidents attributable to vehicle defects are increasing and it would be difficult and expensive to set up a system which would secure that a vehicle did not change hands without a reliable certificate of this kind. In any case, the certificate would be of only temporary value. It is an offence to use on the roads any motor vehicle which is in such a condition that it is likely to cause danger.
§ Miss BurtonIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that garage mechanics, not only in the motoring City of Coventry but elsewhere, are very disturbed at the condition of these second-hand lower priced cars now being offered for sale? Is he further aware that they say they are a menace to road safety, that both the motoring associations, the R.A.C. and the A.A., have excellent facilities for testing cars, and will he look at evidence which is sent to him on the matter?
Mr. BraithwaiteYes, Sir. The hon. Lady will recall that this matter was exhaustively examined by the Alness Committee, and that their recommendations are contrary to her suggestion.