SNP MP and member of the Transport Select Committee Stewart McDonald has written to the managing director of Volkswagen UK following his appearance at Westminster.
Stewart McDonald has said that there were “clear inconsistencies in the evidence given to Committee” by the Volkswagen representative – and has said that MPs came away from the session “with more questions to be answered – which is unacceptable”.
The session was part of the Committee’s extensive inquiry into the recent emission scandals – and in particular to Volkswagen’s claims that they have supplied all the evidence requested by the Department of Transport – which the subsequent appearance of a minister from the Department of Transport before the same Committee seemed to contradict.
“This was an extremely disappointing and unacceptable evidence session, and I am concerned about the inconsistent evidence presented to us,” said McDonald.
“Virtually as soon as we had assurances from Volkswagen they were contradicted by the Department of Transport.
“In my letter to the managing director of Volkswagen UK, I am asking for absolute clarity on the level of information supplied to the Department of Transport following the independent report commissioned into the emissions scandal.
“It appears that the UK Government has not yet received the full report from Volkswagen, despite confusing claims to the contrary.
“There are other obligations that have not been met, including the payment of compensation warranty to cover the taxpayer’s costs to fix this, which appears still not to have been paid in full.
“The whole thing is causing frustration for the Committee still trying to get to the bottom of this and, of course, for all the consumer and customers of the company.
“The motor industry – and Volkswagen in particular – have got to live up to a higher standard than this, otherwise their reputations and the reputation of their products is going to be irreparably damaged.’’
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