HC Deb 17 January 1977 vol 924 cc6-7W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take action to improve the maintenance of the M5 and M6 motorways within the area of the West Midlands County.

Mr. Horam

Present maintenance arrangements will continue. Efforts will be kept up to deal with some specific and persistent problems.

1973–74 (actual) 1974–75 (actual) 1975–76 (actual) 1976–77 (estimate)
Driving licences issued 8.8m. 9.7m. 10.6m. 11.3m.
Vehicle licences issued 27.3m. 27.3m. 26.9m. 27.8m.
Staff employed 8,100 9,400 10,800 9,200
Annual costs £26m. £39m. £57m. £61m.

The number of staff employed and the annual costs cover a certain amount of double handling during the transition from local to centralised licensing.

Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest total capital cost of buildings, plant and equipment for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre at Swansea.

Mr. William Rodgers

£17 million.

Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what access is given to other Departments of State and Government agencies to the computerised records of names and addresses of licence holders held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre at Swansea.

Mr. Horam

I would refer the hon. Member to Command 6354, "Computers; Safeguards for Privacy", Table 2, which sets out in general terms what information may be given to whom by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre.