§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about his Department's decision to change the vehicle licence plate transfer rules with effect from 1 May; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThere has been no change in the transfer rules. It has been a long-standing requirement that any vehicle from which a registration number is to be transferred should be currently licensed. From January 1983, we have been prepared to consider specific cases where there is genuine difficulty in meeting this requirement. The purpose of this concession has, however, been misunderstood by some applicants and the reprinted transfer form to be introduced on 1 June simply sets out more clearly the criteria already used in considering cases of this kind. I have received a small number of letters from hon. Members and cherished number dealers on this subject.