§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to privatise the Vehicle Inspectorate agency; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleMy right hon. Friend has consulted publicly on the future of the Vehicle Inspectorate's heavy goods and passenger-carrying vehicle testing functions, including the scope for private sector 655W involvement; the consultation document made clear that he does not consider the inspectorate's enforcement functions appropriate for privatisation. He is considering a decision in the light of the consultees' responses and will make an announcement in due course.