Driving Tests (London)

HC Deb 08 November 1973 vol 863 cc238-9W

Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current waiting period for driving tests in the Greater London Council area.

Mr. Peyton

This information is not readily available. The current waiting period in the metropolitan traffic area, which embraces the GLC area, is 26 weeks.

Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many driving instructors in the GLC area are able to carry out driving tests at the present time; and what were the comparable numbers for the last three years.

Mr. Peyton

The number of driving examiners in the GLC area at the beginning of this month was 170. Comparable figures for 1970, 1971 and 1972 respectively were 198, 176 and 157.

Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to reduce the waiting time for driving tests in the GLC area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peyton

My Department is recruiting additional examiners as quickly as possible.