HC Deb 26 January 1953 vol 510 cc642-3
2. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport what new instructions have been issued for the guidance of driving examiners resulting from the discussion between the Chairman of the Staff Side of the Departmental Whitley Council and the Principal Establishment Officer of the Ministry on the case of Mr. F. Wass, of Gainsborough, who was called upon to pass a driving test on his small motor mower; and under which Act the instructions were given for the test to take place.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Gurney Braithwaite)

No such discussion has taken place, but arrangements are being made to inform applicants in circumstances such as those of Mr. Wass that they do not need to take a test.

The test for which Mr. Wass applied was conducted in accordance with the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations, 1950, made under the Road Traffic Acts, 1930 to 1947.

Mr. Dodds

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the answer he gave in December is greatly resented by the driving examiner and his colleagues? Is he not further aware that the General Secretary of the Society of Civil Servants has made a categorical statement that the Principal Establishment Officer of his Department has stated that the test was carried out in accordance with the law, and that Mr. Ainsworth would have been in trouble with his superiors if he had not carried it out? Why does the hon. Gentleman talk about an Act introduced by a Tory Government? Why did he say that this officer should have used his discretion and not carried out the test?

Mr. Braithwaite

On 15th December the hon. Gentleman and I were of one mind. He described this operation as "antics," and I said that it should be abandoned forthwith. I remain of the same opinion.

Mr. Dodds

Why does the hon. Gentleman pillory an officer who is carrying out his duty? Why do not he and his right hon. Friends get rid of this antiquated system?