43. Mr. Scottasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that boys under 17 years of age are unable to obtain licences to drive agricultural tractors on a public highway from farm to farm; and whether he will consider the issue of such licences to boys over the age of 16 years and thus remove the existing inconvenience to farmers and contractors, which is holding up the efficient use of man-power and tractors, and preventing maximum food production?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)The age limit for drivers of agricultural tractors from one farm to another has already been reduced by a Defence Regulation from 21 to 17, and I do not think it would be right to recommend a further reduction to allow boys of 16 to drive these heavy vehicles on public roads.
Mr. ScottDoes not my hon. Friend realise that under the present Regulations 801 a boy of 16 may drive a motor cycle all over the road, but may not drive a tractor, and is not a motor cycle a much more dangerous vehicle?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI have great sympathy with the purpose of my hon. Friend's Question, but he will realise that this might mean driving very heavy vehicles for long distances on a public road, and if the driver were to lose his head, serious accidents might result. I feel that safety considerations ought to be placed against any further concession.
§ Mr.HiggsIs the Minister aware that a lad of 16 or under can drive a wagon and horses along a main road, and does he not consider that they are more dangerous than a motor vehicle?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThat is an important Question to look into.