§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the estimated number of foreign vehicles which would fail a mechanical inspection based on the percentage of the actual number of prohibitions issued by inspectors at roll-on/roll-off ports in 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FowlerMy Department's checks at roll-on/roll-off ports in 1980 showed that out of 1,572 foreign goods vehicles inspected 9 per cent. had mechanical defects justifying immediate prohibition. As my inspectors naturally pay most attention to the more suspect vehicles it would be unsound to suggest that 9 per cent. of all foreign lorries coming to this country are dangerous.
Clearly, however, the situation is unsatisfactory and I propose to continue the checks at ports and at the roadside on the mechanical condition of such vehicles.