HC Deb 30 October 1989 vol 159 cc95-6W
Mr. Latham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the budget allocated by his Department for the current financial year for motor cycle tests; whether that budget figure has been reached; and what arrangements are being made to ensure satisfactory delivery of the service for the remainder of the financial year.

Mr. Atkins

The new part 2 motorcycle test was estimated to cost £644,000 in 1989–90 (starting 2 October) on the assumption of 26,850 tests to be conducted and an average waiting time of four weeks. This remains our forecast. Following the pre-September surge to avoid the fee increase (to £24), both the new arrangements and demand are now settling down as forecast.

Mr. Latham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current waiting time for a motorcycle riding test in Leicestershire; what is the existing waiting list; and what action is taken to ensure that applicants are tested before their provisional licences expire after two years.

Mr. Atkins

Six weeks planned to reduce to four weeks by the end of the financial year. There are 300 tests at present booked for dates up to 15 December. Waiting times of this order should not present difficulties for motorcycle riders seeking test within the two years' term of their provisional licence; applicants with specific needs may ask to be given priority bookings.

Mr. Latham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the number of test inspectors for motorcycle tests in Leicestershire; how many tests they have carried out since the new test was introduced on 2 October; and what arrangements will be made to hold tests in venues other than the city of Leicester.

Mr. Atkins

Two examiners are available to conduct part 2 motorcycle tests in Leicestershire; 45 tests have been conducted in the county since 2 October and 50 tests a week have been booked to be conducted in November and into December. Additionally, it is proposed to conduct tests at Melton Mowbray from December and at Hinckley in the new year.

Mr. Latham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what type and cubic capacity of motorcycle is made available to test examiners of his Department; what is the approximate purchase price of these machines; and what steps have been taken to ensure public economy in this regard.

Mr. Atkins

450cc to 800cc. The machines are lease hired at an average annual cost of £1,816 per machine following competitive tender.

Mr. Latham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what type of one-way radio equipment has been provided to motorcycle test examiners of his Department; what is the approximate purchase price of this equipment; and what steps have been taken to ensure public economy in this regard.

Mr. Atkins

Examiners have been provided with UHF FM 1.5 watt single-channel portable radios and ancillary equipment. Following extensive trials to identify the most suitable and cost-effective equipment these were purchased at a cost of £2,106 per set following competitive tenders.