To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations she has received on faulty bonnet catches on Renault Clios; and what discussions (a) she and (b) her officials have had with the manufacturers on a possible product recall. (175956)

[holding answer 7 January 2008]: The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is responsible for managing vehicle safety recalls in GB. VOSA has received two formal vehicle safety defect reports from customers alleging faulty bonnet catches on Renault Clios. VOSA does not record the number of customer contacts asking for information or advice but estimates that its Vehicle Safety Branch has handled 50 such enquiries in the last six months.

The Secretary of State has not met with Renault on this matter. VOSA does not keep a tally of the number of discussions it has with a manufacturer. Officials at VOSA have worked closely with Renault since the bonnet opening incidents were first reported and I can confirm they have had numerous face-to-face meetings and telephone contacts with Renault UK and Renault Headquarters in France on this matter during the last two years.