§ Mr. Tim SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made with his Department's review of the vehicle registration numbering system: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonThe consultative group which was asked to undertake the review has now submitted its report. The group examined a wide range of possible systems and conducted a major public consultation exercise. The majority of responses, from a wide variety of interested parties, showed a clear preference for the present system. After considering these responses, the group has unanimously recommended that the present registration numbering system, with the year prefix letter changing each August, should remain in place, having carefully considered the group's report, I have decided to accept its recommendation, and thus to retain the existing system unchanged.
The report is today being published and I am placing copies in the Library of the House.