Mr. Alan Williamsasked the Minister of Transport if she has decided locations for the proposed central offices for motor vehicle registration and licensing, and drivers' licensing, and for goods vehicle test bookings; and when it is planned to set up those offices.
§ Mrs. CastleI have decided to establish both offices in Swansea. The office for goods vehicles test bookings will be operating next year as part of the plans for testing and plating the heavier classes of goods vehicles under the provisions of the Road Safety Bill. The office for motor vehicle registration and licensing and drivers' licensing, with a computer, is being planned for the early 1970s and is expected to need a staff, when these functions are fully taken over, of about 2,500. Building work on the licensing office is expected to start in the later part of next year and to be completed in 1972. The goods vehicle office will eventually be integrated with the licensing organisation.