HC Deb 08 May 1940 vol 360 c1211
28. Mr. Magnay

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to ensure that the lowest age for the holding of motor-driving licences be reduced for the duration of the war from 17 to 16, subject, of course, to the passing of a driving test and to physical fitness?

Captain Wallace

I do not think that in present circumstances it would be in the public interest to reduce the minimum age for the driving of motor vehicles.

Mr. Magnay

Has the Minister forgotten that, in the last war, young men were not called up for two years, which was quite different from the present position?

Captain Wallace

I do not think there is any reason to suppose at the present moment that the shortage of drivers is so great that it is necessary to repeat the experiment of the last war. I think the House will agree that there are certain road safety considerations which make it inadvisable to employ persons under 17 as drivers unless we have to.