§ 12. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases courts have ordered drivers, who have previously passed their driving test, and who have been convicted of the more serious driving offences listed in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 of the Road Traffic Act, 1962, to take the driving test again.
§ Mr. WoodhouseThe relevant part of the Road Traffic Act, 1962, came into force on 29th May, 1963, and statistics of the number of drivers—including those who have previously passed their driving test—who have been disqualified until they take the test, after conviction of offences listed in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 to the Act, will be available only after the end of 1964.
§ Mr. HallIf it is a fact that in many cases the courts are reluctant to use their powers under the Act, should it not now be made obligatory on the courts to take away the licence of any motorist involved in a serious offence under the Act and not allow him to regain it until he has passed another and severe driving test?
§ Mr. WoodhouseI have no evidence of the reluctance to which my hon. Friend refers, but I will look at the point he raises.