THE Government is putting the finishing touches to a consultative document on the controversial registration letter debate - but it is unlikely to affect next August's annual plate change. Earlier this year, the motor industry was predicting 1996 would be the last year the registration prefix changed in August after a groundswell of opinion in favour of a change to even out the annual new car sales boom.

The Government opened consultations with industry groups which seemed to grind to a halt after the cost implications were considered. The process is now back on track, but industry insiders have warned dealers and manufacturers not to expect significant progress before next August.

National Franchised Dealers Association director Alan Pulham said the consultation document was expected to appear 'shortly' but there would almost certainly be an 'R' prefix introduced on August 1 before the system was changed.