§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the procedure under which a heavy goods vehicle test certificate issued after a second or third re-examination is backdated to the date of the original examination, with the effect that it certifies roadworthiness for a period appreciably less than 12 months for the full annual fee.
§ Dr. GilbertA heavy goods vehicle must be tested annually and not later than on its "due date", which is the last day of the month in which falls the anniversary of its first registration or test. If it is shown to be roadworthy a test certificate is issued which runs for 12 months from that "due date". This arrangement facilities the even flow of work at the testing stations, which in turn enables the testing function to be266W carried out at a minimum cost to the public.
I am reviewing the general need for the "due date" principle now that the heavy goods vehicle testing scheme is well established and will propose modifications if they appear to be advantageous.