To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what factors have delayed the coming into force of the Motor Cycle Noise Act 1987; and if he will make a statement.

When the 1987 Act, and the regulations to be made under it, are brought into force, it will be desirable also to have in place a related amendment of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 concerning motorcycle noise. We hope to go out to consultation on the amendment to the 1986 regulations by the end of this year. The bringing into force of the 1987 Act, and of the regulations to be made under it, will follow as soon as practicable thereafter.