§ 32. Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that, as Good Friday falls this year on the 25th March, the opening date for the second quarter of the year for vehicle licensing, owners of all forms of transport who invariably use their vehicles on the Thursday preceding Good Friday will not now be able to do so without first paying a full month's licence for one day's use of the vehicle; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take steps to secure some relaxation of the existing regulations whereby the operator may obtain his licence for the second quarter of the year on the 24th March instead of on the 25th March as now obtaining?
§ Mr. PYBUSI am aware of the position, and have the matter under consideration in conjunction with the Treasury.
§ Vice-Admiral TAYLORWas not the date for the licensing of all motor vehicles so arranged in order that people should not have to take out a licence specially for that holiday; and will not people be placed in that difficulty this year, since the date happens to fall on Good Friday?
§ Mr. PYBUSThis question of the date of Easter arises about every 10 years, and, as I have said, we are considering the matter in conjunction with the Treasury.
§ 23. Mr. PERKINSasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there are a large number of motor car and motor cycle owners who take out licences for a few months only; and whether ho will consider the possibility of issuing week-end motor-car and motorcycle licences to meet this demand?
§ Mr. PYBUSI have carefully considered my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I do not think that the complications which would arise from the institution of week-end licences could be justified. I would, however, remind the hon. Gentleman that it is already possible by means of the part year licensing system, in conjunction with the payment of refunds on surrendered licences, to obtain what is virtually a monthly licence.