§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will detail the likely effect on the existing Ministry of Transport testing stations, should the proposed Ministry of Transport regulations be introduced.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI intend to set new conditions for garages entering the MOT testing scheme to improve its operation. I propose that existing testing stations should also meet these conditions, but to give them a liberal period in which to comply.
The main changes that existing stations would be expected to make involve the size and layout of testing bays, which would be used only for MOT or commercial inspection work; minor changes to equipment; the provision of a waiting room overlooking the testing area; and improved arrangements for the safe keeping of test certificates.
Representatives of the motor trade and motoring organisations have been consulted about these proposals but not all have yet submitted their replies. When they have been received, I shall take them into account before reaching a final decision.