§ 26. Mr. Walkerasked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to ensure that drivers of motor cars and commercial vehicles holding a provisional driving licence have to be accompanied by a person over the age of 21 who has held an annual licence for at least two years.
§ Mr. HayNo, Sir. I do not feel that there would be justification on safety grounds for imposing these further rules.
§ Mr. WalkerDoes not my hon. Friend agree that it cannot be correct for a teen-age provisional licence holder to be accompanied by a teen-age driver with only a few months' experience? Will he refer this matter to one of his advisory committees on road safety?
§ Mr. HayI will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I suggest that the important factor is the length of experience of the accompanying driver, rather than his age. It is possible that a very young driver has had a good deal of experience.
§ Mr. WalkerWill my hon. Friend answer the second part of my supplementary question?
§ Mr. HayEvidently my hon. Friend did not hear what I said. I said that I would consider his suggestion about referring the matter to the Departmental Committee on Road Safety.