§ Mr. Bradleyasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the preparations for the introduction of the centralised systems of vehicle and driving licensing authorised by the Vehicle and Driving Licences Act, 1969; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyThe contract for the main computer equipment has been placed and construction of the first phase of the central office buildings at Swansea is well advanced. A full review has been completed of all the work remaining to be done, as a result of which it is now planned that centralisation shall start by the beginning of 1974 with full operation of both systems by the end of 1976. This is up to two years later than that contemplated earlier, and I am, therefore, discussing with the local authorities concerned the action necessary to keep the existing systems in being for the longer period. The main build-up of local recruitment for the new central office in Swansea is planned to begin in 1972.