asked the Minister for the Environment the arrangements that will be made to monitor vehicle roadworthiness on the introduction of the new system; and who will have responsibility for the certification of garage tests.

Regulations were made on 26 May 1981, governing the operation of the vehicle testing scheme in respect of certain commercial vehicles. Under these regulations the operation of the scheme is devolved, under my general direction, to local authorities who are motor vehicle licensing authorities. The testing of vehicles under the scheme is carried out by testers appointed by the local authorities. When a vehicle has passed a test the tester issues a statement to that effect. The vehicle owner must then make application to the local authority for the issue to him of a certificate of roadworthiness.

Local authorities are primarily responsible for on-going monitoring of the testing scheme in their area.

Would the Minister say whether these regulations apply to trucks operating within a 20-mile radius of base?

I do not have that information immediately to hand. If the Deputy would like to contact me after Question Time I will give him the precise details if he wants them. In principle they apply all to all commercial vehicles.