HC Deb 22 May 1928 vol 217 c1674
27. Sir BASIL PETO

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the constant accidents due to dangerous driving, he intends to propose a test before granting any new drivers' licences?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

So far as I am aware, there is no evidence to show that any substantial proportion of accidents re-suiting from the dangerous driving of motor vehcles are due to any want of capacity on the part of drivers such as would be disclosed by a driving test. My proposals with regard to the conditions with which applicants for driving licences should comply are contained in Clauses 14 and 15 of the Draft Road Traffic Bill which I caused to be published and circulated some time ago.

Sir B. PETO

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that experience has shown that people driving on the wrong side of the road and accelerating round blind corners has been the cause of these disasters?

Colonel ASHLEY

That would be a matter for police action.

Mr. DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Bill will be introduced?

Colonel ASHLEY

I cannot make any statement at present.