§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the percentage of American cars currently being driven legally in the United Kingdom which would fail the proposed single vehicle approval test; and if he will make a statement. [20710]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonSuch an assessment is not necessary. When SVA is introduced, it will apply only to vehicles first registered in Great Britain after the appointed date. Vehicles already licensed and registered will not be affected.
§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the proposed single vehicle approval test with EU rules on the free movement of goods; what representations he has received from the Commissioner for Transport on the matter; and if he will make a statement. [20708]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonSingle Vehicle Approval is not harmonised at European level. Nevertheless, our proposals took full account of our obligations under the 39W Treaty of Rome, and the proposed arrangements are similar to schemes operating in some other member states. The European Commission has instructed us to defer implementing the proposals set out in our recent consultation. This instruction is part of a legal procedure that governs the making of technical regulations which have trade implications within the EU. We remain confident that the British SVA scheme does not have any adverse effect on the internal market, whilst removing barriers to trade with other parts of the world. A further announcement will be made when discussions with the Commission have been concluded.