§ 29. Mr. Straussasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he expects the scheme for the inspection of road vehicles to start operating.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAbout the end of this year. Legal difficulties have arisen over the free retest referred to in the White Paper, but I hope these can be overcome with the co-operation of all concerned.
§ Mr. StraussCan we really be certain now that this scheme will start towards the end of this year, which will be two and a half years after the Bill became an Act? Meanwhile, many lives which could be saved are being lost.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI quite accept the view of the right hon. Member that we ought to get on with this as quickly as we can, but there have been great difficulties. I am anxious in particular to help the man who repairs the car himself and brings it back for another test. That has brought to light some rather tricky difficulties. I hope they will be overcome.
§ Mr. StraussIn view of the gravity of the situation, may we be assured that there is no legal difficulty of the sort 418 described by the right hon. Gentleman which will hold up the initiation of the scheme beyond the end of this year?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI certainly hope not. The right hon. Member might like to know that we are going ahead with the inspection of the garages and all the necessary work.