HC Deb 14 February 1973 vol 850 c1269
14. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average length of time which applicants for driving tests have to wait for their tests.

Mr. Peyton

Nine weeks at 26th January 1973.

Mr. Watkins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of my constituents is having to wait for no less than 20 weeks? I agree that the illness of the examiner added to that delay, but does not the fact that the illness of one examiner can so prolong the waiting time for a driving test suggest the need for a better deployment of resources, in order to avoid long delays of that kind?

Mr. Peyton

Illness distorts even the best arrangements. If the hon. Gentleman will give me details of the case he mentioned I shall be glad to look into it.