§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the revenue collected in the recent campaign in Hampshire to combat vehicle excise duty evasion; and what were the costs of mounting the campaign.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerIt is too early to assess the results of the Hampshire campaign. To date, over 500 reports of apparently unlicensed vehicles have been received from the police, with more expected. It will be some months before action on all these, including prosecutions where appropriate, is completed. An assessment of the increase in voluntary relicensing as a result of the advance publicity will be available in the new year. I shall write to my hon. Friend when this information is to hand. The cost of the campaign is expected to be about £50,000 excluding police and court costs.