§ Mr. Waltersasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the implications for rural car dealers of the proposed change in the vehicle age registration system from August to October;
(2) what assessment he has made of the impact on car sales of the proposed move from August to October of the vehicle age identification system; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThere is no basis for making such assessments since the view of a major part of the motor industry has been that October would overall be the most beneficial alternative to the present August change. The amount of notice given should allow the motor industry ample time to adjust to the new month of change. However, if the industry as a whole now wishes to put forward an alternative arrangement, we are prepared to consider it.