HC Deb 03 December 1930 vol 245 cc2216-7
47. Mr. SHAKESPEARE

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will permit licensing authorities who have been in the habit of issuing reminders to drivers of the expiry of their licences to continue this practice provided the driver on renewal of his licence leaves with the licensing authority a stamped postcard addressed to himself for posting one month before the licence expires?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

I cannot see my way to impose this additional work on the licensing authorities.

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

In view of the fact that this matter possesses no administrative difficulty, and would cost nothing, would my hon. Friend give it. further consideration?

Mr. MORRISON

I have given very careful consideration to the whole of this question. It is not true that additional cost will not be involved, but I think in any case that, in the public interest, it should not he done.

Mr. EDE

If the licensing authorities are willing to undertake it, will the hon. Gentleman allow them to do so?

Mr. MORRISON

The local authorities in this matter act as agents of the Ministry of Transport and of the Taxa- tion Department. I must, with due respect, control them in this matter, and I have come to the conclusion that there must be uniformity over the whole country, and that the responsibility for renewal must rest upon the motorists themselves.