HC Deb 29 November 1978 vol 959 cc424-5
12. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Transport why a fee of £2 is charged to remove an endorsement from a driving licence; and whether he will reconsider changing this regulation.

Mr. Horam

The fee covers the administrative costs of issuing such licences. We can see no reason to change it.

Mr. Smith

Does the Minister understand that those who have endorsements on their licences have to pay what is virtually a further fine to get them removed? Is this justice?

Mr. Horam

Frankly, I think that it is. The costs of performing these small functions should be met by the public who incur them and not by the general taxpayer. I am surprised that a Conservative Member should advocate the contrary principle.

Mr. Conlan

When motorists are exchanging their old type five-year licences for the new type computer-produced extended-period licences, will it be possible to feed into the computer the detail that records of endorsements which have already expired should not be shown on the new licences?

Mr. Horam

My hon. Friend has made an interesting suggestion and I shall consider it.