§ 4. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport if he will insert into the list of questions for reply by applicants for driving licences, one asking whether the applicant has driven a motor vehicle during the past twelve months; and if he will ensure that if an applicant has not so driven he shall only be permitted to buy a provisional licence with all the resulting legal obligations.
§ Mr. MarplesI have nothing to add to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member on 2nd December about the grant of driving licences.
§ Mr. JannerHas the right hon. Gentleman not had an opportunity since then of examining this point? Is it not important that a person who may have held a licence for thirty years but had never driven in the course of that period should not still be in a position to drive a car which is an instrument which may do damage and endanger the public? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that something ought to be done about that?
§ Mr. MarplesThere are many amendments and refinements which could be made to the present procedure. At present the driving test system is under great stress and strain. I think we ought to get that straight before we add to the difficulties.