HC Deb 13 May 1964 vol 695 cc421-2
18. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Transport if he has now completed his inquiries into the use of hypnosis by driving schools to enable pupils to pass the driving test.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

Yes, Sir. There is no evidence to suggest that hypnosis is used at all widely in driving tuition or that it has been detrimental to road safety.

Mr. Lipton

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a letter which I have had from his hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary on this matter is one of the most astounding communications I have ever had from any Minister since I became a Member of this House? After admitting, as the Parliamentary Secretary does in his letter, that no research has been carried out into the effects of hypnosis on driving, why does he nevertheless give it his blessing? How can he so blandly assume that there is no risk to road safety in letting drivers loose on the roads after being hypnotised to pass their driving tests? The whole thing sounds absolutely crazy.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I carefully studied my hon. Friend's letter to the hon. Member and thought that it was quite clear. He certainly did not condone the use of hypnosis in training people for driving tests. He questioned whether it had any effect. I have some sympathy with the hon. Member. We all find ourselves from time to time behind a driver who appears to be in a trance, but there is no reason to suppose that that is due to hypnotic influence.

Mr. Rankin

If it is not due to hypnotic influence, can the hon. Gentleman tell us what it is due to? If hypnosis is not used, how can he account for the strange behaviour of many of these people when they get into a motor car?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I should not like to answer that—I am not sure that it arises—but I have noticed that it is far more common on Monday mornings than at any other time of the year.

Mr. Lagden

Would not my hon. Friend agree that it is quite apparent that, as far as the Parliamentary constituency of Brixton has been concerned, hypnotism has been practised for a number of years?