HC Deb 28 April 1978 vol 948 cc707-8W
Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the percentage rate, and number, of passes of driving tests in the Southend area for each of the last five years up to the most recent convenient period; and how this compares with other driving test centres in the same region.

Mr. Horam

The situation was as follows:

Tests passed Pass rate per cent. Tests passed Average pass rate per cent.
1973 3,450 39.6 35,181 46.4
1974 2,898 40.1 38,834 45.3
1975 4,007 42.5 40,833 45.1
1976 3,651 42.1 42,558 45.5
1977 2,972 40.6 40,747 45.4

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the present establishment of driving examiners at Beverley for public service vehicles and heavy goods vehicle driving tests; and when he intends to restore it to two examiners.

Mr. Horam

One such examiner is at present employed on a permanent basis, supplemented by examiners from other centres as necessary. Two examiners will be employed full time when the demand for tests warrants it.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the present waiting list for public service vehicle and heavy goods vehicle driving tests at the Beverley centre.

Mr. Horam

Five weeks.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many tests for heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle licences have been cancelled in the current year at the Beverley testing centre.

Mr. Horam

The position at 27th April was as follows:

Appointments cancelled
Cancellations Firm bookings Provisional reservations
By Department:
HGV driving tests 29* 12
PSV driving tests 1 4
By Applicants:
HGV driving tests 39 3
PSV driving tests 5 2
* Sixteen arose through bad weather.