HC Deb 26 July 1976 vol 916 cc53-4W
Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he will make regulations to ensure adequate testing of caravans;

(2) whether he will introduce road side-spot checks upon the condition of caravans;

(3) whether he will introduce mandatory annual checks on the roadworthiness of caravans;

(4) whether he will introduce regulations requiring the display of rear window stickers on caravans as evidence that they have passed inspection.

Dr. Gilbert

I have received no evidence that caravans on tow create road safety risks of the order that would justify the considerable expense to the public of instituting regular roadworthiness tests for them. Such a scheme would, in addition,

which is now in preparation. The tests, which are to form part of the extended MOT test to be introduced later this year, consists of an examination of the belt and its fittings for deterioration or damage, an inspection of the belt anchorage points and the surrounding vehicle structure, and a check that automatic retraction of the belt takes place as it should.