§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen) on 22 March,Official Report, column 388, (1) what representations he has received from (a) consumer groups and (b) car manufacturers and their representatives about how best to present the test results [24451]
(2) if a test can be repeated at the request of the manufacturer; [24453]
(3) if he will introduce legislation to require manufacturers to make the test results available to the public; [24455]
(4) if he will make it his policy to make the test results available to the public; [24456]
(5) if he will list the supermini cars currently involved in the testing programme; [24450]
(6) what consultations he has undertaken with (a) consumer groups and (b) car manufacturers and their representatives about how best to present the test results; [24452]
(7) what arrangements exist for car manufacturers to view the data before they are published.[24454]
§ Mr. NorrisI have not received representations from, nor consulted, industry or consumer groups on how best to present the test results, although I have had some representations from industry that any procedure should be fair.
There have been discussions with vehicle manufacturers at official level on the test procedure. Manufacturers of car models tested are invited to witness the tests and are shown the results. If there are doubts over the validity of a test, a repeat test might be arranged.
The car models in the current test programme are: Fiat Punto, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra, Renault Clio, Rover 100, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo. Their comparative performance will be identified in the report 232W if the research findings show such comparisons to be meaningful and fair. It is the Department of Transport's responsibility to make the research results available to the public.