8.—(1) This regulation applies where it appears to the Secretary of State when he gives notice under regulation 7(4) that the vehicle to which the application relates does not have a vehicle identification number which—
(a)complies with paragraph 3.1 .l of the Annex to Directive 76/l 14/EEC or that Directive as last amended by Directive 78/507/EEC;
(b)has been previously assigned to the vehicle under this regulation; or
(c)does not fall within sub-paragraph (a) or (b), but is adequate for the purpose of enabling the vehicle to be identified.
(2) In such a case—
(a)he shall assign a vehicle identification number to the vehicle; and
(b)the number shall be specified in the notice.
(3) Where an application is made under regulation 7 for the issue of a Minister’s approval certificate under section 58(4) of the 1988 Act—
(a)paragraph (1) shall have the effect as if the words “when” to “regulation 7(4)” were omitted, and
(b)paragraph (2) shall have effect as if sub-paragraph (b) were omitted.