§ 49. Dr. VisTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the design of American cars failed the new single vehicle type approval test. [19444]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonEarlier this year, some American cars failed the pilot single vehicle approval test for various reasons related to at least one of the following—lighting, rear-view mirrors, interior fittings, exterior projections and deep-tinted glazing. However, the recent proposals to relax the SVA requirements and recognise American standards would reduce the reasons to lighting and, for a few cases only, mirrors and exterior projections.
§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many representations he has received expressing concern about the introduction of the single vehicle approval test on 1 January 1998; if he will make delay the introduction of the test; and if he will make a statement. [20709]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 15 December 1997]: We have received nearly 1,600 such representations, the majority of which are pre-printed duplicates. The mandatory aspects of SVA that were due to come into effect on 1 January 1998 for cars originating outside the European Union have for the time being been postponed until 1 May 1998, because the European Commission has instructed us to defer implementing the proposals set out in our recent consultation.