HC Deb 15 November 1939 vol 353 cc700-1
35. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that certain full-time air-raid precautions ambulance drivers have to pay for their driving licences; and whether he will either arrange that such drivers receive free licences or recommend to local air-raid precautions authorities that they shall meet this charge?

Captain Wallace

I have no power to remit the statutory fee for a driving licence. In the case of the ambulance drivers to whom the hon. Member refers, it would be for the local A.R.P. authority, who are not within my jurisdiction, to consider any particular instance whether they would meet the charge for a driving licence.

Mr. Sorensen

Am I to take it that the Minister does recommend to local authorities that these men, who are getting £3 a week, should have this concession granted to them?

Captain Wallace

No, Sir, I should not presume to recommend anything to the local A.R.P. authorities because they come under another Minister.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Can the Minister say when the driving test will be re-instituted?