§ Mr. John Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, having regard to the representations he has received, he is prepared to modify his proposals to increase the fee for an appointment for the heavy goods vehicle licence test from £24 to £33.50.
§ Mr. William RodgersYes. In the light of all the circumstances, including the exceptional increase needed in August 1976 to make the service self-supporting, I have decided to limit the increase payable at this stage. The fee from 1st June, under regulations which I shall be laying before the House shortly, will be £30.
I intend in future that this charge should be reviewed and adjusted as necessary annually. Following the review at the end of the current financial year, the fee will be increased to ensure that costs throughout 1979–80 are fully recovered.