Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the present approximate waiting time for an MoT test at(a) Downpatrick, (b) Newtownards and (c) Belfast; and what proposals he has to ensure that the waiting time does not vary between these three locations.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe waiting times for private car test appointments at Downpatrick, Newtownards and Belfast vehicle inspection centres on 3 June 1988 were five, eight and a half and eight weeks, respectively. These present extended waiting times reflect the demand in each of these locations and all three centres are working at maximum capacity. It is not possible to ensure similar waiting times at all centres when there are different levels of demand but measures have been taken, with the agreement of car owners, to divert tests to less busy centres.