HC Deb 21 December 1960 vol 632 cc1284-6
44. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the Minister of Transport when he proposes to make the testing of ten-year-old vehicles compulsory.

52. Mr. Strauss

asked the Minister of Transport at what date he proposes to make compulsory the testing of all motor vehicles over ten years old.

Mr. Marples

I propose to make the test compulsory on 15th February next.

Testing of some one-and-a-half million vehicles over ten years old will have to be spread over a period. The procedure will be that owners of vehicles registered before 1st January, 1937, must obtain their certificates before 15th February; those registered before 1st January, 1946, by 15th March; those registered before 1st January, 1949, by 15th April; and those registered before 15th May, 1951, by 15th May, 1961. Thereafter, every owner must be in possession of a certificate on and after the tenth anniversary of his vehicle's registration.

I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Motor Agents' Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Scottish Motor Traders' Association for their full co-operation.

Mr. Wilson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of those interested in road safety will be very pleased with that Answer, in view of the high proportion of old vehicles which have been found to be defective in the pilot schemes?

Mr. Marples

Yes. This will play its part in road safety. Whilst it is not popular in some quarters, nevertheless if it reduces accidents it is well worth while.

Mr. Strauss

Is the Minister aware that between him and the industry there has been a delay of five years between the scheme being passed by the House of Commons and the date when it will be put into operation? Although everyone, including the Ministry, agrees that this is likely to save hundreds of lives a year and prevent thousands of accidents a year, no excuse has been offered by the Ministry for its long delay in putting the scheme into operation, except for two legal difficulties which arose, both of which were the responsibility of the Ministry.

Mr. Marples

It has been very difficult, but certainly there have been no discussions between myself and the industry going on for five years. I have not been in my present job five years. The real point is that we have got a move on with it quickly. The scheme is now being brought into operation. We hope that everybody will co-operate by going as early as possible to get their vehicles tested.