§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the decision to change the month for the annual introduction of the vehicle registration prefix from August to October; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe decision in March 1986 to switch from August to October the annual change in vehicle registration numbering was taken in response to representations from the motor industry. It then became clear that the industry was not in fact in agreement and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State agreed last October to its request for a Government review into alternatives to the present system. He also agreed to leave the year prefix change at August, at least for 1987. The review is now under way.