22. Mr. John Mark Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the levels of evasion and enforcement of vehicle excise duty.
§ Mr. RidleyThe gross loss of revenue from evasion of VED is estimated at about 4 per cent. Vigorous action is being taken against evaders and in 1985–86 315,000 offenders were prosecuted or made out-of-court settlements. The revenue from fines, back-duty orders and penalties exceeds £21 million, more than double the 1982 figures. Further steps are being taken to improve enforcement, and we are considering the possible need for new legislation.
Number of part I motorcycle tests conducted by Number of part II motorcycle tests Department of Transport Pass rate (per cent.) Appointed training bodies Pass rate (per cent.) Department of Transport Pass rate (per cent.) 1983 17,251 50 51,203 93 60,829 73.5 1984 10,495 50 56,597 94 62,700 72.5 1985 7,103 50 48,914 95 58,426 73