HC Deb 05 April 1978 vol 947 cc436-8
27. Mr. Temple-Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how long on average it is taking the Swansea vehicle licensing centre to furnish details of driving convictions to courts of law that request them.

Mr. Horam

In February this year—the latest month for which figures are available—99 per cent. of police inquiries were dealt with by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre within 10 working days from receipt, and many in considerably less.

Mr. Temple-Morris

Will the Minister and his right hon. Friend firmly take on board the fact that this is one of the worst instances of the working of the Swansea Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre? Regardless of the figures that he has just given, is he aware that in many cases and in many courts it is taking up to five weeks after interrogation at the Swansea centre before criminal and driving convictions are received? Is he aware that the most serious aspect of this is that people often have to remain in custody as a result of the inadequacy of the Swansea centre? Will the Minister and his right hon. Friend do something about it?

Mr. Horam

I take note of what the hon. Member has said, but I think that he is exaggerating the position. The hon. Member may be aware that we are looking into the possibility of a telex link which will speed up inquiries.

Mr. Anderson

Is my hon. Friend aware of the praise which has been lavished on the centre by a deputation of chief officers of police, who visited the centre last week? Will my hon. Friend arrange an early visit of hon. Members so that parliamentary critics who might go to scoff might be similarly impressed with the centre?

Mr. Horam

I think that the police might also have a conversation with the hon. Member for Leominster (Mr. Temple-Morris) in order to sort out their conflicting views. I note what my hon. Friend said. It might also be a good idea if hon. Members could visit the centre and see how well it is performing. The number of inquiries to the centre has dropped by 25 per cent. in the past few months. The improvement is considerable.

Mr. Rooker

What is the statutory authority for linking the Swansea computer, holding all the drivers' records, with the new police computer at Hendon?

Mr. Horam

That is something which we have looked at under the existing authority.

Mr. Rost

The Minister appears to be complacent about the inefficiency of the Swansea centre. Would not hon. Members be more impressed with the centre not by visiting it but by receiving fewer complaints about it from constituents?

Mr. Horam

I agree. Hon. Members are receiving fewer complaints, as my postbag shows. I have to answer the complaints that hon. Members send to me. My mailbag is down.