§ 40. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the 88 prosecutions which took place in England and Wales during 1968 for the issuing of false Ministry of Transport V.T.20 test certificates, he is satisfied that the scheme is working effectively; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarmichaelWith over 23,000 approved garages issuing some 8 million certificates annually, there are inevitably some who do not measure up to the required standards. Measures have been introduced to raise standards, and we are keeping a close watch on the situation.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonAlthough I appreciate the difficulties of discovering who issues false certificates and who does not, 88 prosecutions in England and Wales is a pitifully small number. I am concerned here with second-hand car buyers, and I wonder whether we need either more inspectors or a second-hand car test for cars that are put on sale. Has the Ministry thought about this?
§ Mr. CarmichaelI will draw the second point raised by the hon. Gentleman to the attention of my right hon. Friend. There are other methods besides prosecution; for instance, the withdrawal of appointment, which is a very severe punishment for many garages. Last year there were 195 withdrawals for the improper issue of certificates, and more than 2,300 withdrawals for other reasons.