HC Deb 15 March 1961 vol 636 cc1399-400
44. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Transport why renewal notices are issued in respect of driving licences but not in respect of road vehicle excise licences.

Mr. Hay

The holder of a driving licence has to examine it to ascertain the date of its expiry, and an official reminder warns him of a requirement which he might otherwise overlook. A vehicle excise licence, which is displayed in a conspicuous position on the vehicle, and shows the date of expiry in bold print, is itself a constant reminder.

Mr. Gower

Has my hon. Friend noted that, judging by the penalties which the courts deem fit to impose, the failure to renew a vehicle licence is regarded as a far more serious matter than the mere failure to renew a driving licence? For that reason, will he change the procedure and issue renewal notices in respect of vehicle licences and abandon them for the comparatively trivial matter of driving licences?

Mr. Hay

I was not aware that that was the view of the courts.

Mr. Gower

It is.

Mr. Hay

If it is, I expect it is because a great deal of money is involved.

Mr. Gower

Yes.

Mr. Hay

I cannot agree to change the procedure, because it would involve a great deal of extra work for taxation offices, they are extremely costly to operate, and there are large numbers of motor vehicles which change hands each year. It would be extremely difficult to keep a check on the owners so that the necessary advisory notices could he sent out.