HC Deb 04 March 1997 vol 291 cc546-7W
Mr. Sweeney

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has made of the loss of revenue caused by the display of fraudulent vehicle excise licences. [18577]

Mr. Bowis

This figure cannot be established separately from the estimated loss through evasion of vehicle excise duty. The amount involved is likely to be minimal.

Mr. Sweeney

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to combat the practice of motorists displaying fraudulent vehicle excise licenses. [18576]

Mr. Bowis

This is a matter for the police. We have no evidence to suggest that the practice is widespread.

Mr. Sweeney

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the loss of revenue caused by motorists not obtaining vehicle excise licences. [18568]

Mr. Bowis

The estimated vehicle excise duty loss through evasion in Great Britain in 1995–96 was £170 million. This represents 4.1 per cent. of the total revenue due. Over £74 million of this total was recouped through enforcement action undertaken by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

Mr. Sweeney

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to address the problem of motorists failing to display vehicle excise licences. [18569]

Mr. Bowis

The offence of failure to display a vehicle licence is dealt with by the police under the fixed penalty procedures. In addition, police and traffic wardens pass offence reports to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for enforcement action if the vehicle is unlicensed. Last year successful action was taken against nearly 500,000 unlicensed motorists.