HC Deb 03 May 1937 vol 323 cc790-1
71. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to raise by two years the age at which driving licences can be granted?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 28th April to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison) of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that the answer to which he has just referred said nothing?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I am afraid the hon. Gentleman's recollection is at fault. The answer contained five lines.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an addition to the five lines indicating that he will consider taking measures along the lines I suggested, in view of the returns of accidents in which young drivers are involved, and also in view of the possibility that in many cases the young driver of 17 has not had the experience of responsibility which is really necessary?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The answer of five lines to which I referred did, in fact, cover that point. I am not unsympathetic towards the hon. Gentleman.