HC Deb 17 March 1965 vol 708 c283W
83. Mr. Fisher

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the interests of road safety, he will take steps to ensure that motor vehicles which have been involved in serious accidents should be reregistered only after being properly tested and passed as roadworthy.

Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to ensure that motor cars deemed by insurance companies to be damaged beyond repair are not: again brought into use until their roadworthiness is guaranteed.

Mr. Tom Fraser

The registration and the licensing of vehicles are fiscal requirements governed by the Vehicles (Excise) Act. Under this Act there is no power to withdraw a registration book so long as the vehicle for which it is issued still exists; nor can a licence be refused on payment of the tax due. Provisions in the Road Traffic Acts, however, are directed towards road safety, and it is an offence to use, sell or offer for sale, a vehicle which is unroadworthy. I am considering, in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend, the Home Secretary whether these provisions can be more effectively applied, especially in relation to vehicles which have been repaired and sold after an accident.

While examining the existing safeguards, I shall bear in mind the point made by my hon. Friend.