Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Monday, 5 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 June 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Monday, 12 June 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to improve the accuracy of measures of a vehicle's emissions as part of the MOT test; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve the accuracy of measures of a vehicle's emissions as part of the MOT test; and if he will make a statement. [124942] Mr. Hill: The Department intends to commence further research later this year on the effectiveness of catalyst testing and to determine whether the diesel smoke test may need to be changed to enable better testing of low-smoke emission diesels. The projects are due to be completed in phases and we will be reviewing emerging findings as they progress. Additionally, the Vehicle Inspectorate has undertaken a comprehensive programme of re-training for MOT testers to ensure that they are able to carry out testing more consistently and to the standard required.

Secondary information