§ 20. Mr. Wellbelovedasked the Minister of Transport when she will circulate to interested organisations draft regulations under the Road Safety Act, 1967, for the plating and testing of heavier goods vehicles, which is due to start in July, 1968.
§ Mr. CarmichaelWe expect to do so before the end of this weeks. I would like to take this opportunity to express thanks to the representatives of manufacturers, local authorities, operators, trades unions and others who have assisted the preparation of the proposals by informal advice and to those operators who have helped in developing practical testing methods by making their vehicles available voluntarily.
§ Mr. WellbelovedIs my hon. Friend considering issuing a testers' manual to assist in this matter and, if so, when is it likely to be issued?
§ Mr. CarmichaelParticulars of proposed testing requirements and procedures under the regulations and the grounds on which vehicles will be failed were published by the Ministry on 27th November, 1967, in the form of a draft edition of the goods vehicle testers' manual. The substantive edition of the manual will be issued when the goods vehicle Regulations have been made and laid before Parliament and will refer to the appropriate Regulations applicable for particular tests.
§ Mr. BenceIn view of the heavy demands which will be placed on service mechanics of all kinds to service transport to maintain these standards, will the Minister make representations to his right hon. Friend to abolish the Selective Employment Tax on garage mechanics?
§ Mr. CarmichaelThat is a much wider question, but I will refer it to my right hon. Friend.