§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated cost to the Greater London Council of enforcement of the law relating to the unlicensed keeping and using of motor vehicles for the year 1967–68.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe estimated gross cost for 1967–68 is £260,000 but none of this falls on the Greater London Council as it is reimbursed by the Exchequer. Costs are also offset by recoveries by way of fines and mitigated penalties.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that the Greater London Council have just issued a report on their activities in enforcing the law relating to road vehicle licensing which shows that the number of cases reported of driving unlicensed vehicles was 146,000 and that out of the 24,800 who paid mitigated penalties £96,000 was received, making an average of less than £3 per person; and whether she will seek to increase the penalties for this type of offence.
§ Mr. John MorrisI am aware of the facts given in the report but the figures show the average penalty to be nearly £4. As to the second part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer to his Question on 24th June, 1966 but would ask him to bear in mind that when mitigated penalties are paid there is no loss of revenue.—[Vol. 730, c.171.]