HC Deb 03 March 1975 vol 887 cc339-40W
Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many road accidents known to the authorities during each of the years from 1970 to 1974, inclusive, were attributed wholly or partially to the fact that one of the vehicles involved had mechanical defects of such a nature and degree as to render the same unroadworthy.

Mr. Carmichael

This information is not available.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to prevent the sale of unroadworthy motor vehicles, excluding the sale of separate parts of such vehicles, to individuals other than professional mechanics able to ensure that they are made fully safe and roadworthy before being further used on the road.

Mr. Carmichael

No. The sale of an unroadworthy vehicle for use on the roads is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1972, and it is also an offence under that Act to use on the roads any vehicle that does not comply with the law relating to roadworthiness.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the statutory provisions governing the resale and continued use on the roads of motor vehicles sold for scrap.

Mr. Carmichael

The Road Traffic Act 1972, in particular Parts II, III and IV, and the Vehicles (Excise) Act 1971 govern the use of any motor vehicle on the roads, including those sold for scrap but subsequently brought back into service. The statutes which govern sales, including resales, of any merchandise, including motor vehicles sold for scrap, are the Sale of Goods Act 1893 as amended by the Supply of Goods (Implied Terms) Act 1973 and the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, together with the Road Traffic Act 1972.

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