§ Mr. Cashasked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to increase the number of sub-post offices authorised to issue vehicle excise licences.
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§ Mr. Michael SpicerAt a meeting this week I reached agreement with the chairman of the Post Office to extend the vehicle relicensing service by an extra 500 sub-post offices over the next three years. Details of the extension will be worked out with the Post Office in conjunction with my Department, and when the particular outlets have been selected I will notify the hon. Members concerned. I believe that this new extension, taken with the 160 sub-offices added last year, will considerably improve the convenience of the relicensing service, particularly for those living in rural areas.
Other measures designed to improve the arrangements for vehicle licensing are also under consideration, including more stringent checks on MOT certificates presented with licensing applications.