§ Mr. Butterfillasked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to ensure that the issue of Ministry of Transport test certificates is not being abused by unscrupulous secondhand car dealers.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe vehicle inspectorate of the Department of Transport closely monitors the issue of MOT certificates and withdraws garages' authorisation where there is malpractice. Following a recent joint exercise with trading standards department they have identified a number of cases where disciplinary action is being considered against the garages concerned. Buyers of secondhand vehicles must themselves be careful. If they 205W have any doubts about the condition of a vehicle they should have it examined by an independent expert before agreeing to buy it.