Road Safety Bill [HL]

The noble Earl, Lord Attlee, referred to the amendments made by the Police Reform Act 2002. In Northern Ireland, VOSA inspectors have always—or for many years—been able to stop vehicles. It was adjudged too dangerous for police to do so, because it set them as up as targets for terrorists. The VOSA inspectors did the necessary stopping. I simply add that while the powers of the VOSA inspectors are being considered, the Minister should also examine what other things they might do. At the multi-agency checks that take place around the country, which I have attended, Customs and Excise inspectors dip the tanks of vehicles to see whether they are running on red   diesel; inspectors check on the welfare of animals being   transported; trading standards officers—formerly weights and measures inspectors—check the vehicles to see whether they are correctly weighed and the load is   properly distributed; and people working for the Department for Work and Pensions—as I think it is now—check whether drivers have paid their national insurance and are bona fide employees. In fact, you have to assemble an army of people—now not the police, fortunately—comprising Uncle Tom Cobbleigh and all to check whether a lorry driver is working legitimately. It is worth considering not only whether VOSA inspectors should stop people, but whether they should make all the necessary checks instead of assembling various other individuals each to do a little job. One person could carry out the whole inspection effectively if it were not for the bureaucrat divisions between the departments involved. Will the Minister consider that when he replies?