HC Deb 11 April 1935 vol 300 cc1314-5
50. Mr. CHARLES TAYLOR

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is necessary for a person undergoing a driving test to use his or her own car; and what arrangements have been made for those persons who have no car of their own and who, having taken out a driving licence after 1st April, 1934, wish to renew their licence for 1935?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

A candidate is required to bring a motor vehicle in proper condition, but there is no requirement that it shall be his own.

Mr. TAYLOR

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the case of the unemployed lorry driver or chauffeur who obviously cannot afford to hire a car, and yet cannot get employment unless he renews his licence? I think that the hon. Gentleman is agreed that there is a definite ease of hardship in these cases.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have not anticipated that there will be any cases of hardship. Anybody applying for a test which takes only a very short space of time can bring his own car or somebody else's car.

Mr. LUNN

If it is to be agreed that any person can pick up a car and drive it along the road, why not agree to increasing the number of accidents from what is the large number to-day.

Mr. THORNE

Are we to understand from the reply that the owners of cars when they want to obtain a certificate are not compelled to bring their own cars for the test? Is it because they are ashamed to bring their own cars?