§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether, in view of the fact that many motorists are using the Civil Service industrial dispute as an excuse for not renewing their road fund licences, he will initiate a public campaign to advise the public in general, the police and motorists in particular that road vehicles can be relicensed at all major post offices.
§ Mr. FowlerI have no evidence to suggest that the hon. Member's fears are justified. Motorists are required by law to display valid tax discs if they use their vehicles on the road. They can now renew their licences at 3,000 59W post offices as a result of the improved administrative arrangements we have introduced as well as at our own local vehicle licensing offices. I have already taken steps to publicise these arrangements, both nationally and locally. My Department also maintains regular contact with the police, trade and motoring organisations.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will cause an investigation to be made to ascertain to what extent it would prove advantageous to the authorities in ensuring free flow of traffic and proper licensing of vehicles if any road vehicle without the display of a current road fund licence, or wrongly and illegally parked, had a wheel clamp attached to its wheels, and was not released until a £5 freeing payment had been made together with arrears of duty.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 6 March.—[Vol. 1000, c.227.]