§ BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGERMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is a fact that anyone who passes a driving test on an electrically propelled (not pedestrian-operated) milk float thereby becomes entitled to a licence authorising him to drive any class A vehicle.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)My Lords, a person who passes a driving test taken 335 on an electrically propelled milk float, other than one controlled by a pedestrian, becomes entitled to a full licence for driving all vehicles in Group A. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations, 1950. My right honourable friend is at present carrying out a review of these regulations, and will in this connection consider carefully whether any change should be made in the scope of driving licences issued in respect of electrically-propelled vehicles.
§ BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGERMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer. I am glad to learn that these regulations are under review. Will the Minister have in mind that, as the regulations now stand, a person can pass the test on a milk float, which I think has a maximum speed of something under 30 miles per hour, and next day he can go out in a Jaguar and go at the maximum speed of which the Jaguar is capable. Will he pay attention to that aspect of the matter?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, my right honourable friend is aware of that, and that is the reason why he is reviewing these regulations. I will certainly convey the noble Lady's opinions to him in this connection.
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that a Jaguar is much easier to drive than a milk float?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, I am delighted to hear it, because my own experience, which is extensive and includes Jaguars, has not yet taken in milk floats.