§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to extend the new tyre laws and the MOT test to cover spare tyres and to make it mandatory for all vehicles to carry a spare wheel.
§ Mr. ChopeThere is no legal requirement for a car to carry a spare wheel, although manufacturers supply them in almost all cases. If used on the vehicle, they must comply with the Construction and Use Regulations (SI 1986 No. 1078 (as amended)), which include the new tread depth requirements. Bearing in mind that supply is practically standard on new cars, and that punctures are now relatively rare, I have no plans to make carrying a spare wheel compulsory.
The MOT test does not apply to matters not subject to the Construction and Use Regulations, and consequently does not apply to the carrying of spare wheels. I have no plans to alter this arrangement.