Driving Tests

HC Deb 04 February 1959 vol 599 cc368-9

43. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the minimum number of the 250,000 people waiting for their driving tests he expects the first additional examiner, who is to take up his duties during May, to examine in the course of a year from the date of his appointment; and when the other 199 examiners are to be appointed.

Mr. Nugent

Between 1,300 and 1,500 people, depending on weather conditions and the amount of training he needs. The remainder of these recruits will be appointed in a regular flow between May and September.

Mr. Janner

How does the Minister intend to cope with the 250,000 people by appointing only the number he has mentioned, with the remainder to be appointed in due course? How can he possibly deal with the number who want to be tested?

Mr. Nugent

We intend to appoint an additional 200 examiners during the summer months. I am confident that during the course of the summer and early autumn months we shall bring the backlog under reasonable control.

Mr. Strauss

In view of the enormous backlog, why the delay in appointing the additional examiners?

Mr. Nugent

The increase in applications for tests last year was more than we had expected. We estimated for a probable increase of over a quarter-of-a-million applications last year, which was more than a 25 per cent. increase. In fact, the increase was over one-third-of-a-million, 100,000 more than our estimate, and the result was that the blacklog built up in the way that it has.

Mr. Strauss

The hon. Member has not answered my question. Why the delay in appointing the new examiners? Why wait until September?

Mr. Nugent

We are appointing them now but the process of appointment takes a little time. In addition, they need to be trained. It will be impossible to get them actually into post until the beginning of May.

Mr. Gower

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that the present scale of salary is adequate to attract this number of men to do this important work?

Mr. Nugent

I think so. We have received 10,000 applications for the 200 places, so it looks as if it is.