HC Deb 19 May 1971 vol 817 cc1266-7
33. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what separation of information on registration numbers of vehicles, and the names and addresses of their owners will be preserved at the Vehicle Licensing Computer Centre in Swansea.

Mr. Peyton

None, Sir.

Mr. Huckfield

In view of that answer, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this will give 800 police terminals connected to the national police computer instant access to the names and addresses of every vehicle-owner in the country? Is he satisfied with that situation?

Mr. Peyton

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman has asked himself what the point of the register is, but one aim is to provide information which will allow the coupling, in proper circumstances, of the owner of the vehicle with the number.

Sir G. Nabarro

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, for the sum of a few pence, any citizen may call for a search at Companies House for essential information on a company? Would it not be desirable that, at this computer centre for registration numbers of any kind of motor vehicle, for the sum of a few pence any citizen might derive essential information about any vehicle, including NAB 1?

Mr. Peyton

I feel that the ownership of NAB 1 is already adequately established in most people's minds. I also take my hon. Friend's point about the Register of Companies.

Mr. Crawshaw

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his announcement will be welcomed by some people? Is he aware that recently in the Liverpool area, after an accident involving two people, it was two days before the people were identified because they lived on their own?

Mr. Peyton

I am very much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for making that point.