HC Deb 27 October 1965 vol 718 cc156-7
47. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Transport what assistance was made available by his Department to the British Broadcasting Corporation for the production of the British Broadcasting Corporation television programme on 24th August concerning driving tests; and if he will take further similar steps in order to encourage better driving.

Mr. Swingler

The Department helped to frame questions for this excellent programme and were glad to have the opportunity of checking the filmed sequences to ensure that they complied with both the law and good driving practice. We are at present assisting and advising the B.B.C. on a further programme. We are anxious to encourage the screening of programmes which promote more skilful and safer driving and the B.B.C. and the Independent Television Companies can rely on the full co-operation of the Department.

Mr. Costain

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that many people who thought that they were very good drivers learned a lot from this programme and that the country will be delighted to know that he is encouraging programmes of this sort as good television viewing?

Mr. Swingler

Certainly, Sir. We want to encourage this kind of film as frequently as possible. There was a large number of complimentary references to it in correspondence received by the Ministry of Transport. We are now co-operating with the B.B.C. on a new programme of a similar kind.