§ 42. Mr. Hefferasked the Minister of Transport what response he has from the Liverpool City Council to his proposal contained in a letter to local authorities urging that training areas be set up for learner drivers.
Mr. Bob BrownI assume my hon. Friend has in mind the Department's circular of 25th April to local authorities which gave general guidance over the whole field of road safety. Among the local tasks listed in the circular was arranging for the use of suitable training grounds, for example for cycle and motorcycle training. We did not expect immediate responses on detailed points, and have had none on this point from Liverpool City Council.
§ Mr. HefferMy hon. Friend's assumption is absolutely right. Has he had any response from local authorities? Will he continue to press them to establish such training grounds, which are essential for the proper training of drivers?
Mr. BrownOffhand, I could not say what reply we have had from local authorities, but, as the circular went out only recently. I do not expect that we have had many. Over the next few months we shall ask local authorities 938 what progress they have been able to make in their local road safety activities in the light of the circular.