§ 13. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what saving in administrative and other costs would result if 50 per cent. of the driving licences issued were valid for a period of three years; and what saving would result if all driving licences were valid for three years.
§ Mr. NugentSince 1st September, 1957, when Section 48 of the Road Traffic Act, 1956, became effective, driving licences are being issued on a three-yearly basis, the process being spread to avoid overloading the issuing offices. During the twelve months ending 31st August, 1959, the saving in the cost of issuing these licences should amount to some £150,000; in subsequent years it should be twice as much.
§ Mr. HallDoes not my hon. Friend agree that the purpose of imposing a driving licence fee is to cover administrative costs? From his Answer it would appear that there will be a further considerable saving by the issue of the three-year licence. Should not the benefit of that be passed on to the licence holder in the form of a reduced fee for the three-year period?
§ Mr. NugentThe 5s. fee was fixed in the 1956 Act, and after due deliberation by this House it was decided that 5s. was the right level to keep it at. It is the level which has obtained since 1903. There is benefit under the three-year scheme in the convenience to drivers and a considerable administrative saving.