§ 46. Mr. R. Bellasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many driving test examiners were employed by his Department a year ago and at the latest convenient date, respectively.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterOn 1st March, 1954, there were 456 examiners. There are now 549.
§ Mr. BellIs my right hon. Friend satisfied with the rate of recruiting? If not, what steps is he taking to increase it?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs I think my hon. Friend will be aware, I have obtained authority to recruit a slightly larger number, and I think that they will be coming along soon.
§ Brigadier MedlicottIs it not clear that the time is approaching when we shall have to impose driving tests on thousands of people who have not taken the test before, and periodical tests on those who, by reason of illness or old age, very much need to be tested? Therefore, ought we not to have a reserve of examiners?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThat is what we are doing. It is because of these considerations that the numbers are being increased.