§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make a statement on the progress of the current review examining the civil defence implications of computerising heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle records: and if a copy of the report will be placed in the Library;
(2) if he will make a statement on the likely expenditure implications of the introduction for civil defence purposes of computerised vehicle records.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe vehicle inspectorate and good operator licensing records are being computerised for reasons other than civil defence. Consideration is being given to the possibility of using these records to locate vehicles in any type of emergency. The internal departmental papers forming part of this consideration are not appropriate for placing in the Library.