§ Mr. Watkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to introduce a scheme for compulsory testing of private cars in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesA scheme for a compulsory annual roadworthiness test will be introduced in Northern Ireland 497W on 1st July 1975. In the first instance the scheme will apply only to private cars which are upwards of 10 years old.
The tests will be carried out by inspection staff of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, unlike the system in Great Britain where the testing is done by authorised private garages.
The RUC at present has powers to check private cars regardless of the age of the car and the Chief Constable has informed me of his intention to step up work in this connection.