HC Deb 12 February 1976 vol 905 cc350-1W
Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will take steps to require the testing of the rusting of bodywork and chassis, respectively, as part of future MOT tests.

Dr. Gilbert

The present MOT test already requires inspection for corrosion in relation to its likely effect on braking and steering. I have no evidence that extending corrosion testing beyond these items would lead to savings in accidents.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will require test centres to store or garage or park a car which fails a test due to defects which make it dangerous to drive from the test centre.

Dr. Gilbert

Such facilities would normally be available at a test centre and I have not received any evidence that would justify making their provision a mandatory requirement for all authorised examiners.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many fail certificates have been issued by MOT testers during each of the months during each of the last five years for which records are available.

Dr. Gilbert

I regret that it is impracticable to add to the information that I gave in my reply to my hon. Friend on 9th February—[Vol. 905, col. 91]. The provision of the figures requested would require the examination of the registers of every MOT testing station, as the Department's statistics are kept on an annual basis.