HL Deb 15 May 1972 vol 330 cc1271-2WA
The EARL OF SELKIRK

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (1) Whether M.O.T. certificates should be valid at all times of the year;
  2. (2) Whether the police can request to see the M.O.T. Certificate when the road licence is valid; and
  3. (3) Whether the police are entitled to ask the age of drivers, and whether they are living with their spouses.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)

The Answer parts (1) and (2) of the Question is, "Yes". The answer to the first part of (3) is also "Yes", but the driver is required only to reply in certain prescribed circumstances. As for the latter part of (3), whilst the police are entitled to seek such information as they consider necessary, no driver is obliged to provide information of this kind.