§ Mr. John Leeasked the Minister of Transport how many lorry drivers otherwise qualified for heavy goods work have now become disqualified solely through lack of driving during the statutory period February, 1969 to February, 1970; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Bob Brown:The lack of the required driving experience during the period does not of itself disqualify anyone for driving heavy goods vehicles. Even without that experience, a driver may still qualify for a full heavy goods vehicle driver's licence by passing the heavy goods vehicle driving test.
Between 4th August, 1969 and 31st March, 1970, 40,404 drivers were granted heavy goods vehicle drivers' licences on the basis of their experience and 1,717 after passing the test. Of the latter an unknown number were newcomers to the driving of heavy goods vehicles.