§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Trans-port what is his attitude to the EEC proposals for annual national examination of commercial vehicles.
§ Mr. FowlerCouncil directive 77/143 EEC requires goods vehicles and trailers exceeding 3.5 tonnes laden weight, and vehicles with seats for more than 8 passengers, taxis and ambulances, to under-go a roadworthiness test one year after their first use and annually thereafter to a standard similar to that now applying to goods vehicles in this country. The United Kingdom took an active part in preparing the directive, which is due to come into force not later than 1 January 1983. This is a contribution towards road safety and I envisage no difficulty in applying its provisions by then to the other classes of vehicle mentioned.