HC Deb 24 July 1968 vol 769 cc561-2
3. Mr. Macdonald

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in his discussions with local authorities on the proposal that they should assume responsibility for the scheme for training learner motor-cyclists which is now operated by the Royal Automobile Club/Auto-Cyclist Union; and if he will make a statement.

31. Mr. Clegg

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for the training of learner motor-cyclists in the light of the recent report on this subject.

Mr. Swingler

Further discussions with local authorities associations on this are planned for next week.

Mr. Macdonald

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the report of the working party with its constructive suggestions was published a year ago and that four months ago I was told in answer to a Question that discussions with local authorities were complete? As the existing organisation providing this training is running at a loss, despite the grant it receives, is it not time that there were some signs of progress?

Mr. Swingler

I appreciate what my hon. Friend has said, but he will understand that there are many local authorities and that we wanted to give them the opportunity to express their views in writing. We have only recently collected all their views. I can assure him that there will now be no delay in proceeding with the discussions.