HC Deb 17 May 1933 vol 278 cc346-7
22. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to amend the Road Traffic Act, 1930, so that when a person charged with driving a vehicle while under the influence of drink is found not guilty of this offence on grounds of suffering from a physical defect, which may make him incapable of having proper control of a motor vehicle and a danger to other users of the highway, the court may order such person to be disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for such period as they think fit?

Mr. STANLEY

I do not think the suggested amendment of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, is necessary in view of the provisions of Sub-section (4) of Section 5 of the Act. This Sub-section empowers the licensing authority in a case such as that mentioned by my hon. Friend to revoke the licence if their attention is drawn to it either by the magistrates, the police or anyone else.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Has the Minister seen the announcement made from the bench on this question in various parts of the country?

Mr. STANLEY

I do not know to what particular announcement the hon. Member refers. It is not the bench which has the power to withdraw a licence, but the licensing authority.