HC Deb 29 November 1996 vol 286 cc414-5W
Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the results of his Department's commissioned research on the new car assessment programme to be published; and what information will be released at this point. [6409]

Mr. Bowis

I expect the results to be published early next year. Information on front and side impact protection and pedestrian protection offered by seven super-mini-sized cars will be released.

Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received during the last 12 months, and from whom, about the research being carried out by his Department under the new car assessment programme and the publication of the results of this research. [6410]

Mr. Bowis

During the last 12 months, I have received the following representations.:

Number
Motoring associations 6
Industry 4
Members of Parliament 1
Members of the public 0

The motoring associations were in favour of the NCAP, industry wanted to ensure that the results are presented in a fair and objective way and the Member of Parliament requested details of the programme.

Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department(a) has spent and (b) is planning to spend on research under the new car assessment programme; and what this work involves. [6411]

Mr. Bowis

To the end of November 1996, my Department has spent £1,035,000 on work connected with the new car assessment programme and, in the current phase, plans to spend a total of £1,580,000. This work involves purchasing vehicles, conducting crash tests and the collection and interpretation of data.