asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that the problem of vehicles abandoned on the highway is increasing and that many urban authorities do not have facilities to store abandoned vehicles for six weeks; and whether she will introduce legislation to enable local authorities to dispose of, within seven days, vehicles that appear to be abandoned and do not display a road fund licence.

My Department is in constant touch with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. Inevitably it is difficult to find enough storage space in some towns, but there has recently been encouraging progress in dealing with this problem.Failure to display a licence does not establish that a vehicle has been abandoned; however, my hon. Friend's proposal will be considered.