16. Mr. Geoffrey Wilsonasked the Minister of Transport why no measures of inspection are taken to ensure that laden foreign goods vehicles coming temporarily into the United Kingdom are correctly documented with a valid goods hauliers licence, vehicle duty licence, and proper insurance; and whether she will make administrative arrangements to enable the officers of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to check such documentation when carrying out their other duties.
§ Mr. SwinglerForeign goods vehicles temporarily in the United Kingdom are subject to the same enforcement measures on licensing and insurance as British vehicles. We have no evidence to suggest that anything more is necessary.
Mr. WilsonIs not the Minister aware that the number of these vehicles, particularly furniture removal vehicles, is increasing, and that with the development of roll-on, roll-off ferries it is likely to increase still more? Is it not unsatisfactory that there is no proper test of whether they are properly licensed and have proper insurance? There might be serious consequences in the event of an accident.
§ Mr. SwinglerTests are made as they are made of other vehicles, and on an exactly equivalent basis. If the hon. Gentleman has specific evidence of evasion we shall consider it. Customs officers are usually overloaded, and we do not wish to put additional responsibilities on them. But we shall certainly consider any evidence that is submitted.