§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Minister of Transport how many of the officials for whom he is responsible have the power to enter premises, subject to statutory conditions; and if, in each case, he will indicate the statutory authority under which such power is exercised.
§ Mr. FowlerI have powers under the following statutes to authorise my officials to enter premises for the purposes shown:
Enactment and Purpose
The regulation of Railways Act 1871, s.4. Entry of any railway and all stations, works, buildings and offices belonging thereto for purposes of inspection or inquiry.
The regulation of Railways Act 1871, c.7. Entry and inspection of any place or buildings in connection with an accident inquiry.
Road Traffic Act 1960, s.128. Entry to inspect public service vehicles.
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967, s.63. Entry to land for placing, removing etc, traffic signs and for removal of unauthorised signs.
Transport Act 1968, s.99(2). Entry to premises in which passenger or goods vehicles are kept for inspection of vehicles, records and other documents.
276WHighways Act 1971, s.64. Entry to survey land, including power to search and bore to ascertain subsoil.
Road Traffic Act 1972, ss.43, 48, 56, 61 and 61(1A). Entry to premises in connection with testing, examining, approving vehicles or vehicle parts.
Road Traffic Act 1972, s.60A. Entry to premises in connection with the fitting, or sale of vehicle parts.
The number of officials involved is not readily available.