§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will give, for the longest and most convenient stated period of time, the numbers and type of mass campaigns taken against actual and suspected road tax evaders; with what results; and whether he will estimate the past loss of revenue in respect of those found guilty of this offence.
§ Mr. FowlerMy Department has carried out seven intensive area campaigns with the co-operation of local56W police forces. The first took place in February 1980 and the latest in May 1981. Preliminary results have shown a marked increase in relicensing and a link between evasion of vehicle excise duty and other road safety offences. Full results are not yet available as many prosecutions are still outstanding. So far the campaigns mounted in 1980 have resulted in 1,124 successful prosecutions. Fines of £32,500 have been imposed, including £8,500 in back duty.