§ 8. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he is making in his arrangements for the provision of driving instruction for motor cycle learner drivers in the United Kingdom and in particular in Leicester.
§ Mr. HoramMy right hon. Friend recently announced the launching of a new nation-wide motor cycle training scheme to be operated by STEP Management Services Limited in conjunction with local authorities. In addition, the Department gives financial assistance to the RAC training scheme, which now operates in more than 300 centres, including one in Leicester.
§ Mr. JannerI congratulate the Minister and his Department on the safe rider scheme and emphasise the enormous importance of giving more information about future steps to be taken to reduce the terrible carnage on the roads. Is the Minister aware that this carnage has resulted in hundreds of motor cyclists and their pillion passengers being killed each year and thousands more being injured? What further help does he propose giving these people to ensure that they learn to drive safely, both for themselves and for other road users?
§ Mr. HoramAll sides of industry and riders themselves felt that the right way forward was in the provision of proper training facilities being on as wide a scale as possible. The STEP provisions that have been announced will fill a clear gap in this area, and we want to put maximum possible pressure behind them in the short term, as we believe that this is the right way forward.