§ 73. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that as a result of recent legislation certain heavy goods vehicle licence holders are now obliged to undergo another driving test and that such tests involving the hiring of a suitable vehicle, the loss of wages and other costs; and whether he will take steps to eliminate this situation.
§ Mr. PeytonThe licensing scheme for heavy goods vehicle drivers was reintroduced on 2nd February, 1970, following legislation in 1967.
The requirements for certain drivers to pass a test before receiving a heavy goods vehicle driver's licence have applied from the outset. I have no proposals to change them.
§ 74. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he held with representatives of driving instructors and driving test examiners before announcing his intention to introduce driving licences valid for life.
§ Mr. PeytonSeven national organisations representing driving instructors were among those whom I consulted about this proposal. No question about driving tests arose, and in any case, examiners are members of my Department.