§ 62. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many driving and traffic examiners are now employed full-time on enforcement of the Road Traffic Acts; and how far short this number falls of the establishment required for effective enforcement of the Acts.
§ Mr. Watkinson102 driving and traffic examiners are at present employed full-time on enforcement of the Road Traffic Acts. The approved establishment comprises 100 examiners permanently on enforcement and as many others as can from time to time be released from driving-test duties. As I told the hon. Member on 18th December, I am recruiting more examiners and, when fewer driving tests are outstanding, the number of enforcement officers should be sufficient.
§ Mr. DaviesWould the right hon. Gentleman hurry the scheme for recruitment of more officers in view of the very large amount of infringement of traffic Acts, of which proof is forthcoming daily and weekly in the Press? Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the numbers at present are able to do more than a very small proportion of the necessary work?
§ Mr. WatkinsonWe are shortly holding another competition for examiners. We hope that that will increase the numbers. I quite agree that probably, however many examiners we had, we could not investigate every evasion, but before very long we should be able to tighten up considerably the operation of the Act.