§ 53. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that there are approximately 15,000,000 people in Great Britain who suffer with imperfect vision; and, in view of this fact, will he consider the introduction of legislation making it compulsory that all applicants for a motor-driving licence should pass a special eyesight examination either by their own medical practitioner or competent optician which shall include tests for distance and colour vision, and produce a satisfactory certificate to the-licensing authority before a driving licence is issued?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)The draft Road Traffic Bill which has recently been published contains provisions for the withholding of a driver's licence from a person suffering from any physical disability (including defective vision) which is likely to cause the driving: of a motor vehicle by him to be dangerous to the public. The draft Bill also provides that in certain circumstances such a person may claim to be subjected to a test as to his fitness or ability to drive a motor vehicle.
§ Colonel DAYWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the ques- 1042 tion with regard to the person supplying a medical certificate saying that the eyesight is all right?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI could not answer without going into great detail. If the hon. Member will read the draft of the Bill, I think he will get all the information he wants.