HC Deb 19 February 1981 vol 999 c229W
Mr. Win. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under what statutory authority personnel of the Department of the Environment, accompanied by the police, may stop vehicles and carry out spot inspections on such vehicles.

Mr. David Mitchell

The relevant statutory authority is contained in section 37(2)(a) of the Transport Act (Northern Ireland) 1967 and in sections 29, 50, 58 and 178 of the Road Traffic Act (Northern Ireland) 1970. In the operation of sections 29 and 178 it is necessary for the vehicle to be stopped by a police officer.