HL Deb 21 June 1965 vol 267 cc281-2

2.35 p.m.

LORD COLWYN

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the interest of safety on the roads, when a driver of a road vehicle (drunk in charge, or not) has been convicted and fined, his endorsed licence can be withheld until he has passed a police driving test.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LINDGREN)

My Lords, the courts already have powers to order drivers convicted of certain offences to be disqualified until they have passed the driving test.

LORD COLWYN

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his Answer, may I make a suggestion to Her Majesty's Government?

SEVERAL NOBLE LORDS

No.

LORD COLWYN

In that case, my Lords, I will ask this question: when a licence is renewed after three years can all of us have a driving test?

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, this is impracticable at present. The driving test organisation, with nearly 1,500 examiners, conducts two million tests a year. A new commitment of this order would require the addition of 2,000 or more examiners, even if such a test were confined to 45 minutes. At present there are at least half a million tests waiting to be conducted, involving a thirteen-week delay.

LORD REA

My Lords, is there any objection to the noble Lord, Lord Colwyn, having a driving test if he is very keen on having one?

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