§ 50. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what steps he will take to restrict the times and streets in which driving instruction may be given to learners, in view of the dangers and delays which vehicles in their charge cause to other motorists.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Richard Nugent)It is very doubtful whether my right hon. Friend's powers under the Road Traffic Acts would enable us to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion. In any event, we consider it important for learner drivers to experience as wide a variety as possible of traffic conditions before taking the test.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWill not the Joint Parliamentary Secretary consider taking further powers if they are needed? Is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this is a considerable problem, particularly in congested streets in central towns, where sometimes learner drivers are a great menace to the general public?
§ Mr. NugentIt is a matter of balance. Unless learner drivers are allowed to drive in dense traffic, they will never learn. It is better for them to make their first steps there with an instructor alongside them than when they are on their own.