§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what check is made on identity when new licence holders are registered into Swansea vehicle licensing centre;
(2) what proposals he has to change the basis of registration of vehicles at Swansea vehicle licensing centre;
(3) what check is made to eliminate previous keepers when new owners or keepers of vehicles are registered in Swansea; and what notification is given to the original ones.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerSeven million used vehicles change hands every year and carrying out a full check on keepership in every case would make the process of buying and selling vehicles much less convenient for motorists as well as adding significantly to costs to the Department and thus to the public. Special checks are already made when a vehicle is reported as stolen and the new computer now being installed at Swansea will open up possibilities to strengthen these safeguards. I am proposing to review the registration system as the new computer becomes fully operational. Full account will also be taken of the views of the police.
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§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Transport what proof of ownership is required for registration of vehicles with the Swansea vehicle licensing centre.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerDVLC maintains a register of vehicle keepers not vehicle owners. No proof of ownership is therefore required when a vehicle is registered at the centre.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the difference between owner and keeper for the purpose of registration of cars at the Swansea vehicle licensing centre.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe keeper of a vehicle is the person who normally uses it on the public road. The police will usually want to contact the keeper in the investigation of an offence and the keeper is also most likely to be responsible for taxing the vehicle. The owner of a vehicle could be a hire purchase company or a large business concern and the recording of this information at DVLC would be less useful for police or departmental purposes.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether registration of a vehicle at Swansea vehicle licensing centre is proof of ownership for the purposes of his Department.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe registration of a vehicle at DVLC does not constitute proof of ownership. A prominent note on the front of the vehicle registration document makes clear that the registered keeper is not necessarily the legal owner. We will shortly be mounting a publicity campaign to remind motorists of the need to check other documentation—for instance a bill of sale—before buying a used car.