§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to amend the regulations governing MOT tests in view of the present evidence that the present system is not operating effectively.
§ Dr. GilbertDuring the past decade the accident rate for cars has fallen by 40 per cent. and the MOT test has played a valuable part in this improvement. This is not to say that I am entirely satisfied with the present state of affairs. Further items to be tested—windscreen washers and wipers, stop and indicator lights and exhaust systems—have been announced. These measures will come into effect in the new year. In addition, new requirements for testing stations—better equipment and facilities, improved public access and training courses for testers—will be mandatory by mid-1979. This date was chosen after detailed consultation with the industry; if it now believes it can meet an earlier date I will, of course, reconsider the matter.