HC Deb 28 April 1970 vol 800 cc1032-3
12. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now introduce an eyesight test for applicants for provisional driving licences.

Mr. Murray

No, Sir. We have no evidence which suggests that such a requirement would reduce road accidents.

Mr. Archer

Is my hon. Friend aware that recent researches by the Optical Information Council indicate that nearly 2 per cent. of drivers have less than half the vision required for the official number plate test, and that of those 300,000-odd about 12 per cent. are between 17 and 30? Does not that show that the official test is not applied very assiduously?

Mr. Murray

We are aware of the Optical Information Council's findings, but the unit did most of its work at the kerbside and it has not taken a random sample. The results of the eyesight test in the driving test are very different, but we welcome anything which encourages those with poor eyesight to do something about it.

Sir G. Nabarro

In the interests of road safety will the Minister study the findings of registered driving instructors, all of whom have to be registered by 31st July next, for is not this body of men the proper instrument for obtaining reliable evidence as to eyesight effectiveness or otherwise?

Mr. Murray

No doubt we can look at this, but the law on the matter is quite clear. It is an offence for anyone to drive if he cannot at the time meet the appropriate standard.