asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects a suitable opportunity will arise for him to pay an official visit to a vehicle testing station.

I cannot foresee such an opportunity in the immediate future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which committee of the European Community dealing with the standardisation or harmonisation of vehicle tests is attended by qualified engineering staff of his Department; which qualified staff have attended meetings; on what date such meetings were held; and when it is expected that the committee referred to will conclude its work.

The Working Party on Transport Questions of the Council of Ministers has considered a draft directive on the harmonisation of roadworthiness tests on four occasions last year and once this year. On each occasion the United Kingdom delegation has been composed of staff with qualifications appropriate to the matters under discussion. I cannot predict a date for the completion of this directive.