HC Deb 14 June 1994 vol 244 cc447-8W
Mr. Connarty

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations took place before, and what considerations underlay, the decision to cease issuing vehicle licenses through post offices in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Tim Smith

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Brendan Magee. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Brendan Magee to Mr. Michael Comuirty, dated 6 June 1994: The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me to reply to your question regarding the decision to cease issuing vehicle licences through post offices in Northern Ireland. Only 14 post offices in Northern Ireland are designated for re-licensing of vehicles. Figures for 1993–94 show that 61 per cent. of customers licensed their vehicles at DVLNI local offices, 22 per cent. by post to DVLNI Head Office and 17 per cent. at the designated post offices.

Mr. Peter Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many and what percentage of deaths due to terrorism have been caused by loyalist paramilitary groups in each of the past 20 years in Northern Ireland.

Sir John Wheeler

An annual breakdown, attributing murders to specific terrorist groups, is available only from 1987. The figures are set out as followsThe key consideration underlying the decision was the need for DVLNI to make economies to live within its budget allocation for 1994–95. DVLNI is a demand led organisation engaged on the core activities of registering vehicles, licensing vehicles and the issuing of driver licenses. When savings need to be made they have to be in the method of delivery as the Agency cannot limit the volumes of business. Prior to the decision being made, the Agency Advisory Board was told of the difficulties created by the shortfall in funding. After further discussions with the Agency's parent department (DOE NI) a paper was prepared informing the Minister of DVLNI's intention to withdraw the facility. Post Office Counters Ltd. were also kept informed.