§ 10. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of the fact that enforcement officers are refusing to take action on unlicensed 200 road vehicles reported to them by Members of Parliament and the general public, whether he will introduce new legislation so as to ensure enforcement of the relevant sections of the Road Traffic Acts.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Eldon Griffiths)Within the available manpower limits, local licensing authorities and the police are already active in enforcing vehicle excise law. The centralised licensing system already authorised by legislation will in due course provide a better basis for thorough enforcement.
§ Mr. LewisWould the hon. Gentleman look at this matter again? Is he aware that many people can vouch for the fact that enforcement officers have refused to take action when cases have been reported to them. I have a letter to that effect from the G.L.C.'s enforcement officer. If they receive large salaries to do a job, should not they do it, even though it may become a little onerous and difficult for them because of the prevalence of this offence?
§ Mr. GriffithsI am aware that the hon. Gentleman has made a large number of submissions to the G.L.C. and the police. But unsubstantiated reports of vehicles not displaying licences are not enough for successful prosecutions. The hon. Gentleman has used up a lot of time of both the police and the local authority on wild goose chases.
§ Mr. LewisOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply and the continual evasion of the enforcement of the law on the part of the Minister, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.