HL Deb 15 December 1970 vol 313 cc1360-2WA
LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (1) How many motor-car vehicle testing stations, both from private enterprise and public authority sectors
    1. (a) were originally appointed;
    2. (b) are currently appointed;
  2. (2) How many stations in each of the years 1969, 1968, 1967 have
    1. (a) had the appointment terminated;
    2. (b) declined re-appointment; and
  3. (3) In the case of those whose appointment has been terminated, what are the main reasons?

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

During the first year of the vehicle testing scheme (i.e. September, 1960, to September, 1961) 12,070 stations were appointed, of which 70 were operated by public authorities. The number currently in operation is 20,848, of which 98 are operated by public authorities.

During 1969, 1968 and 1967, 373, 2,563 and 311 stations respectively had their appointments terminated. The relatively high number of appointments terminated in 1968 was because new standards of equipment and staffing were imposed. More than 2,000 garages could not meet the new requirements by the specified time limit and had their appointments withdrawn. Many of these have since met the new requirements and have been reappointed. Since garages are not specifically invited to apply for appointment, information is not available about the number who may have declined reappointment.

The main reasons for compulsory withdrawal are the issue of test certificates for defective vehicles, evidence of substandard testing and failure to keep and render proper records.

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

also asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many Government (commercial vehicle) testing stations have been set up; what is their total vehicle testing capacity; and how many vehicles are currently being tested.

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

Sixty-seven main stations have been set up for the testing and plating of goods vehicles over 30 cwt. unladen weight. Their estimated total capacity is 1,100,000 tests annually. In addition, there are 24 auxiliary stations in remoter areas, having a nominal total annual capacity of 25,000 tests. It is estimated that 525,000 vehicles and 115,000 trailers will be tested in the current year ending March 31, 1971. Including re-tests, it is estimated that a total of 900,000 tests will be carried out this year.

House adjourned at twenty-eight minutes past six o'clock.