§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received in favour of passing responsibility for vehicle testing to the private sector.
§ Mr. FowlerThe majority of the representations which I have received about my proposals are from private sector companies interested in becoming involved in testing under the new arrangements. Besides these, five individuals have written supporting my proposals and I have received a number of representations giving no firm opinion on the principle of transfer to the private sector, but making useful detailed comments and suggestions on the way it should be done.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to sell off vehicle testing stations to the private sector; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FowlerI outlined my proposals in the policy paper "New arrangements for testing heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles" which I published in August 1980.Since then I have been discussing the details of the new arrangements with the industry. I hope to introduce the necessary legislation in the next session of Parliament.