§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from smaller garages about the effect on their viability of the introduction of the new vehicle testing regulations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI have received letters from garages of all sizes worried about the new conditions of appointment. When they come to examine them closely, most garages will find that meeting the new conditions will not be as difficult nor as expensive as they fear.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if there are any plans to increase the charge made for a Ministry of Transport test.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe fees were last increased on 1 July 1985 and I shall not be reviewing them again till next year.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish in the Official Report full details of the new regulations for Ministry of Transport testing.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAs the new conditions of appointment are lengthy and complex, I have placed copies in the Library of the House, instead.
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§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will extend to eight years the period within which Ministry of Transport examiners must comply with the new regulations.
§ Mrs. ChalkerNo. I believe that the five years allowed give a reasonable period for examiners to make any necessary alterations.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from (a) the motoring organisations and (b) chief constables about the effect on safety of the old Ministry of Transport regulations.
§ Mr. ChalkerThe Automobile Association made representations about the content of the test. Nothing was received about the old conditions of appointment from either the motoring organisations or chief constables.