§ 26. Sir Reginald Clarryasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether there was any appreciable rise in the road accidents figures in the last war after arrangements were made for the minimum age for obtaining a driving licence to be reduced to 16 years?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)The arrangements referred to by my hon. Friend came into force in August, 1918, and lapsed in August, 1921. I regret that there is no record of the number of driving licences issued to youths of 16, nor of the ages of drivers involved 2078 in accidents. The total number of road accidents in 1918 was 36,685; in 1919 the number was 49,750.
§ Sir R. ClarryIn view of that answer, will the hon. Member reconsider his previous decision if representations are made by a hard-pressed industry who can show that there would be considerable economy of man-power if this facility were granted?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIf it can be shown that there would be economy of manpower, I shall be glad to consider it again, but we have considered it in view of the large number of women drivers now available who were not available in 1918, and we think it is not necessary to introduce this change.