§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received from the road transport industry on the possibility of selling the heavy goods vehicle testing stations to the private sector.
§ Mr. FowlerMy Department's officials have met a range of the organisations, including those in the road haulage industry, concerned with the Government's decision to change the present arrangements under which civil servants test heavy goods vehicles. We have learnt their initial views about the involvement of the private sector in this way. The written representations from the Freight Transport Association urge. properly, that 225W any new scheme must guarantee the standards and impartiality of testing—a point made generally.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister of Transport whether staff of the heavy goods vehicle testing stations will be consulted about the possibility of selling the stations to the private sector.
§ Mr. FowlerThe Department's stall side has been consulted about the decision to change the present arrangements for testing heavy goods vehicles. There will be further consultations with it.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister of Transport what proposals he has for selling the heavy goods vehicle testing stations to the private sector; and what assessment has been made of their potential profitability.
§ Mr. FowlerI am considering various options for involving the private sector in new arrangements for testing heavy goods vehicles. I shall continue to take account of the different financial implications that these options would involve.