§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the average cost of bringing a prosecution for vehicle excise duty evasion and the average fine awarded as a result of such prosecution for 1983.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI regret that information on the average cost of these prosecutions, which are undertaken by the48W police as well as by my Department in England and Wales, and by procurators fiscal in Scotland, is not readily available. The average fine imposed during 1983 was £33.60.
§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the cost to his Department of vehicle excise duty enforcement for the period 1979 to 1983.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe staff costs of the Department's enforcement effort was estimated at £ 5.6 million in 1982 and £6.1 million in 1983. I regret that information for earlier years is not available.
§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many officers of his Department were engaged on vehicle excise duty enforcement for the period 1979 to 1983.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe number of staff on complement for enforcement work in each year was:
Number 1979 739 1980 769 1981 842 1982 902 1983 908 Enforcement staff in local offices assist as necessary with vehicle licensing work, in particular during periods of peak demand for licences. The need for this assistance can vary widely and affects the numbers of staff actually engaged on enforcement.