§ 12. Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Minister of Transport what further discussions he has had with Leyland Vehicles Ltd. in connection with type approval regulations for imported trucks.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMy right hon. Friend is today publishing a consultation paper about a national type approval scheme for trucks. It would apply to both imported and home-produced vehicles. Leyland Vehicles Ltd. will be closely involved in those talks.
§ Mr. AtkinsIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that this Conservative initiative is greatly welcomed by Leyland Vehicles Ltd., particularly as the success of the new T45, which is potentially a world-beating truck, is dependent on fair competition from outside?
§ Mr. ClarkeWe hoped that this move would help the industry, and I am grateful for the support of my hon. Friend. who has a close interest in Leyland Trucks. I recently visited Leyland Trucks and saw examples of the T45. It is a pity that more Opposition Members do not fall into the practice of thanking my right hon. Friend and myself for our answers and for the steps that we are taking in this and other areas.
§ Mr. DalyellAs Leyland Vehicles, Bathgate is in my constituency, may I ask whether the Government are looking at the problems that arise from homologation?
§ Mr. ClarkeYes.