§ 2.45 p.m.
§ Lord De FreyneMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there are reasons why the MOT test could not be incorporated into a normal major service at a licensed garage at no extra cost
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, to ensure that no part of the inspection is omitted the MOT test must be carried out as a separate activity and according to the detailed routine set out by the department. There is nothing to prevent an authorised garage carrying out an MOT test before or after normal servicing: indeed, this is often done. A testing station is not obliged to charge a fee for the MOT test.
§ Lord De FreyneMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. Will he not consider the idea of incorporating the MOT test as an attractive inducement to the already over-burdened motorist? Also, will he not agree that it be in the interests of safety?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, the MOT test requires a number of checks which are often not included in normal servicing. To ensure that the test is carried out properly and completely it should be performed in a single prescribed sequence. I would remind my noble friend that, as I said in my original Answer, the prescribed fee is the maximum fee and garages can reduce it or charge nothing if they so wish.