§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department lays down minimum requirements for the maintenance of public service vehicles in regard to adequate numbers of fitters, maintenance depots and general maintenance inspections; and how often the north-west traffic commissioners have discussed this matter with him.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 provides that an application for a public service vehicle operators licence shall not be granted unless the traffic commissioner is satisfied that there will be adequate facilities or arrangements for maintaining in a fit and servicable condition the vehicles to be used under the licence. It is for the traffic commissioner to decide how this requirement is to be met. The traffic commissioner for the north-western traffic area has had no recent discussions with the Department on maintenance matters.