HC Deb 28 March 1973 vol 853 cc1281-2
5. Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the raising or lowering of the ages at which the various types of driving licences can be issued; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peyton

As I announced on 19th February, minimum ages for driving certain heavy vehicles will be brought into line with EEC regulations on 1st January 1976. I have no plan for other changes.

Mr. Redmond

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but is he aware that many people, particularly among constituents of mine, have the idea that when they become 17 they will not be able to get a driving licence because some change is to come about owing to our entering the Common Market? Will he say that we are a long way from any decision of that sort and that if there is to be a change Britain's voice will be heard properly, and that there will not be a change just for the sake of change?

Mr. Peyton

Many people of relevant age have written to me expressing anxieties similar to those my hon. Friend has mentioned. I have told them that the idea had not yet occurred to me.

Mr. Marten

But my right hon. Friend is surely aware that this draft directive is sculling around in Brussels, that this must give rise to anxiety, and that its effective date is 1st January 1974, if it is accepted? Will my right hon. Friend totally resist any such stupid idea for raising the driving age from 17 to 18, and resist this fussy interference in our lives by bureaucratic functionaries?

Mr. Peyton

My hon. Friend is giving vent to views which were not entirely unexpected from him. I should certainly wish to give mature consideration to any proposal. Of course, I know that there is one, but I was unaware of the fact that it was sculling around. That is a means of locomotion new to me in terms of regulations.

Mr. Money

While giving mature consideration to these subjects, will my right hon. Friend reconsider the question of the minimum age for motor cycle licences and confirm that there is no indication that raising that age has reduced the number of accidents at all?

Mr. Peyton

No, Sir.

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