HC Deb 28 April 1958 vol 587 c9W
48. Captain Kerby

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation under what powers he intends to appoint his spot-check examiners for the roadworthiness of cars; how many such civilian detectives will be appointed, and when, and at what cost to the public; and if his examiners will be drawn from the existing establishment of his Department, or whether they will be new appointments from outside the Civil Service?

Mr. Nugent

The powers are contained in Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act, 1956. Spot checking of vehicles on the road will be undertaken by our vehicle examiners. The present establishment will be augmented by 36 additional examiners to be appointed through the Civil Service Commission within the next few months. It is estimated that the total cost of operating the spot check scheme will be to the order of £45,000 in a full year.

Mr. Slater

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will make a statement on the size of areas to be covered by examiners appointed through his Department as a result of Government policy on the roadworthiness of cars.

Mr. Watkinson

I do not intend to restrict the number of authorised examiners to be appointed in any one area. Any garage which applies and is found, on inspection, to be up to standard, will be appointed.