§ Mr. Patchettasked the Secretary of State for Transport what legislation, and in what time scale, he has in mind to change the duration of heavy goods vehicle drivers' licences and the free driving tests for heavy goods vehicle drivers if they develop a limb disability; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe Government have accepted the recommendations of the working party on medical standards that the duration of heavy goods vehicle drivers' licences should be five years, as for public service vehicle drivers, and that the driving test to establish a licence-holder's continued fitness after developing a limb disability should be free of charge. The necessary parliamentary legislation will be introduced at the next opportunity, but I cannot yet say when this will be.
§ Mr. Patchettasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is now prepared to consider a specialist panel of advisers to give advice on appeals for heavy goods vehicle drivers if they lose their licences on medical grounds.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerMy hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Mrs. Chalker) announced on 14 June 1985 that there would not be a specialist panel to give advice on appeals against decisions taken by the licensing authorities on medical grounds. My right hon. Friend has, however, appointed two new honorary medical panels to advise licensing authorities on cardio-vascular conditions and diabetes in relation to driving. A similar panel on driving and disorders of the nervous system has existed for many years.
§ Mr. Patchettasked the Secretary of State for Transport what advice will be forthcoming from his Department to unions and employers to help them frame improved insurance schemes for heavy goods vehicle drivers if they lose their licences and jobs on medical grounds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThis is a matter for negotiation within the road transport industry.
194WPreparation work on the following further schemes has been temporarily suspended: