HC Deb 19 June 1969 vol 785 cc677-8
20. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many garages were prosecuted in 1968 for issuing the Ministry of Transport V.T. 20 test certificates for vehicles which were unsound.

Mr. Elysran Morgan

Provisional figures indicate that there were 88 prosecutions in England and Wales during 1968 for issuing false test certificates.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that these certificates can easily be bought at garages for quite small bribes? What further measures does he plan to bring in to safeguard, in particular, second-hand car buyers against this type of swindle?

Mr. Morgan

I appreciate what the hon. Gentleman says. Any proposal for changing the criteria for the authorisation of the way in which these tests are to be carried out is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.