§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what response he has made to the recommendations of the joint local authorities' associations on "Tackling Abuses in the Motor Trade", published in October 1987; and what consequential consultations he expects to have with interested parties.
§ Mr. MaudeMany of the recommendations of the joint local authority associations' report "Tackling Abuses in the Motor Trade" were discussed at a meeting on 15 December 1987 at which my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for roads and traffic and I met a delegation led by the Director General of Fair Trading. At that meeting it was agreed that it was desirable to amend section 60 of the Road Traffic Act 1972, to make it easier for trading standards officers to deal with the sellers of unroadworthy vehicles. Also, as a result of that meeting, it was agreed that a number of other suggestions to help combat the sale of unroadworthy vehicles and the fraudulent alteration of odometers would be examined further. My Deprtment and the Department of Transport are keeping in touch with the Office of Fair Trading and the various interested parties will be kept informed of progress on this matter.