HC Deb 01 March 2004 vol 418 cc704-5W
Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost of the vehicle testing service in Northern Ireland was in the last year for which figures are available; and how much of the cost was offset by the receipt of fees. [156530]

Angela Smith

The cost of providing the vehicle testing service in Northern Ireland in the 2002—03 financial year was £13.4 million. These costs were offset in full from test fee income.

Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average waiting time for an appointment for a vehicle test in Northern Ireland was in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement [156531]

Angela Smith

The average waiting time for an appointment in 2002–03, the last full year for which figures are available, was 20 days against a target of 21 days.

The average waiting time is currently 18 days, against the same target. However, the average waiting time for the current year to dale is 30 days. This reflects the fact that the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency experienced a period of high demand earlier in the year, caused partly by measures aimed at reducing the level of motor tax evasion, at a time when it was undergoing a rolling programme of test centre closures for the installation of new equipment.

It is unlikely that that waiting time target for the year as a whole will be met. However, waiting times are now well within target and I expect this positive position to be maintained.

Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will privatise vehicle testing in Northern Ireland in line with the practice elsewhere in the United Kingdom. [156532]

Angela Smith

Vehicle tests are carried out exclusively in Northern Ireland by the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency of the Department of the Environment. There are no arrangements to allow private garages in Northern Ireland to carry out MOT tests on private cars, as is the practice in Great Britain.

Following the recent programme to refurbish and re-equip the Agency's 15 test centres, under a private finance initiative contract, and completion of a project to introduce telephone booking, the Agency has restored its previously high levels of performance and customer service.

I believe these arrangements best suit the circumstances in Northern Ireland and at present I have no plans to review them.