asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when he expects to announce the introduction of a national tyre pressure gauge testing scheme which would give confidence in the accuracy of tyre pressure gauges.

Comments received on the draft proposals for a voluntary tyre pressure gauge test scheme showed considerable support for the proposals, though some details need to be settled by further discussion. A management committee, which will include representatives of local authorities and the motor trade, is now to be set up to consider implementation, and will advise me on a date for the scheme's introduction.