§ 59. Mr. HANNONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, in view of the serious accidents which have recently occurred, he will consider the advisability of instituting special tests for drivers of motor chars-à-bane; and whether a qualifying period as a motor driver will be made an essential condition to the issue of a licence to the driver of a motor char-à-banc?
Mr. NEALThe Minister has no power to require special tests for drivers of motor chars-à-banc. The question of requiring tests in the case of drivers of these vehicles licensed to ply for hire is being considered by the Departmental Committee on the Licensing and Regulation of Hackney Vehicles.
Sir F. FLANNERYIs it not a fact that the drivers of taxicabs have to pass an examination before they are allowed to ply for hire, and will the hon. Gentle- 38 man state what distinction there is, as regards public safety, between the drivers of taxicabs and the drivers of chars-à-banc?
Mr. NEALIt is a fact that the drivers of hackney vehicles have to pass certain tests in the Metropolis and some other places, but unfortunately the law and practice vary very much in different parts of the country.
Viscount CURZONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that chars-a-banc drivers are among the most careful of drivers on the main roads, whereas taxicab drivers are among the worst?