§ 33. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Transport whether he contemplates legislation imposing tests of fitness, particularly in regard to nerves and eyesight, upon all applicants for motor-driving licences?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)My proposals with regard to the physical fitness of applicants for motor-driving licences are contained in Clauses 14 and 15 of the draft Road Traffic Bill which I circulated a short time ago.
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether there is any chance of this Bill coming before the House, because every day we read of men who are deaf and dumb and who hold motor licences being convicted?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI think we have every hope of being able to deal with the holding of motor licences by deaf and dumb people very soon, but the hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do the congested state of our Parliamentary business.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not a fact that the people who have the strongest nerve and keenest eyesight are the most reckless and dangerous drivers, and are responsible for most of the accidents?