HC Deb 25 June 1980 vol 987 cc470-1
19. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to ensure that vehicle components, including those imported, conform to construction and use regulations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Substantial resources are already devoted by the Department, through type approval of cars and annual testing schemes, and by the police, to ensuring that vehicles and their components comply with construction and use requirements. I have no evidence to suggest that components generally fail to meet our standards, but I am always ready to consider available evidence and the need for appropriate action.

Mr. Roberts

Does the Minister accept that many people in the vehicle industry are unhappy with the existing limited tests which are made? Will he look particularly at tightening up the system of testing imported components, where some of the dangers could lie?

Mr. Clarke

There are 150,000 convictions a year for breach of the construction and use regulations. We are doing our best to enforce them. I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's concern about some imported parts. We have investigated brake diaphragms. We are looking for evidence, as complaints are arising about brake linings. If the hon. Gentleman will produce any evidence that he has about substandard imported parts, we shall be anxious to investigate it.

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