§ Lord Balfour of Inchryeasked Her Majesty's Government:
How long before the date of expiry of a current car driving licence the Swansea Centre issues a new one and how many drivers are forced to have a period of driving with no current licence due to delays in issue.
§ The Earl of AvonDrivers normally receive renewal/ reminder forms from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre in Swansea about six weeks before their licences are due to expire. At present over 80 per cent. of driving licences are issued within three weeks of a valid application reaching the centre. It is not possible to say how many drivers do not receive their new licences before the old ones expire, but I understand that most of those who use the reminder forms return them in good time. Drivers are legally entitled to drive while their licences are being renewed, provided they are not disqualified on legal or medical grounds; the reminder form bears a note to this effect.
House adjourned at four minutes past ten o'clock.