§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from specialist car manufacturers about the effect of his Department's latest type approval regulations; what action he is taking to enable such manufacturers to continue to make and sell a full range of products; and what effect he anticipates on export sales of these cars if these regulations are not relaxed forthwith.
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§ Mr. HoramI have recently received representations from several specialist car manufacturers about the regulations made last year, indicating their concern about the initial cost of obtaining type approval. The regulations require production models of cars and certain of their components to be tested to ensure that they meet the main safety and environmental standards, many of which have been in force for several years. Some of these tests are already required under the Construction and Use Regulations. The fees for the additional tests which are required to meet the Type Approval Regulations, and for which the vehicle manufacturer is responsible, are likely to be in the range of £4,000–£7,000; and each approval will remain valid until the model in question is changed in that respect or the regulation itself is amended.
All but two of the type approval requirements are based on international technical standards agreed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the EEC, which exporters to these countries are already expected to meet. The new system should, therefore, enhance the export sales potential of British vehicles.