HC Deb 24 November 1972 vol 846 cc498-9W
Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of garages in England and Wales that were initially granted authorisation as testing centres under the terms of the Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1968; and if he will list for each subsequent year, including 1972, the number of garages that have been added and have had their authorisation withdrawn.

Mr. Peyton

By the end of 1968, 18,028 garages in England and Wales had been authorised as testing stations. In 1969, 1970 and 1971 respectively, 1,225, 592 and 262 stations were appointed. In the same years 325, 313 and 380 stations were compulsorily withdrawn. The number of new appointments during 1972 is relatively small since my announcement in September, 1971 of an embargo on new authorisations but up to 30th September, 1972, 209 stations have been compulsorily withdrawn.

Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of garages in Cornwall that were initially granted authorisation as testing centres under the terms of the Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1968; and if he will list for each subsequent year, including 1972, the number of garages that have been added and have had their authorisation withdrawn.

Mr. Peyton

Such information about individual counties is not readily available.