§ Mr. Alan Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the statutory basis for his decision that the driver and vehicle licensing centre, Swansea, could advise motorists that receipt of licence applications at Swansea post office would be an adequate defence against legal action for not having a licence during the period of the Civil Service dispute.
§ Mr. FowlerAnyone who has previously held a licence and is still entitled to drive may do so, under section 84(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1972, once his application has been received by the Secretary of State. I intend to extend this entitlement to first-time applicants by regulations when the Transport Bill receives Royal Assent. It is open to me to designate any person to carry out the function of receiving applications on my behalf. I have therefore designated the head postmaster at Swansea to receive any mail addressed to the driver and vehicle licensing centre which cannot be delivered during the current period of industrial action, and have requested him to hold it for me in secure conditions.