§ 39. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Transport why Mr. Frank Wass, of Gains-borough, was required to display an L plate on his hand-operated lawn mower when cutting the grass in front of his house, until he passed his driving test; what was the nature of the test; how far the examiner had to travel; and what was the total cost entailed.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Gurney Braithwaite)Mr. Wass appears to have attached an L plate to his mower which he uses on the grass verge of the highway outside his home, on the assumption that it came under the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Acts and to have applied for a driving test on the same assumption. That this assumption was in law correct is doubtful owing to the definition of "motor vehicles" in the Road Traffic Acts, but as Mr. Wass had applied he was tested in his ability to control the machine and in his knowledge of the Highway Code.
The driving examiner concerned conducted this test and several others in the course of a day's journey from his post at Lincoln and it is not possible to calculate the cost of the individual test; but it would not be great.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the hon. Gentleman think that the performance he has just outlined is sensible, and, if not, what action does he propose to take to see that in future the community is safe from such antics?
Mr. BraithwaiteIt appears that until arriving at the scene, the examiner expected to test one of the big mowers which often have to use the highways, and, therefore, require a modified test. However, I am bound to add that on realising that this was only a small mower, the test should have been abandoned forthwith, and I hope that this reply will attain the necessary publicity.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the Minister recollect that in reply to the Question he said there seemed to be some doubt in law as to whether a large mower outside on the grass verge needs to have a road plate or a test?
Mr. BraithwaiteThis was not a large mower, and I think the whole outcome is the result of six years of Socialist bureaucracy.
§ Mr. BevanCan the hon. Gentleman tell the House what is the speed limit of hand-operated lawn mowers?