§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will take steps to assist in the establishment of driving centres where powered two-wheeler riders would learn to ride before they would be put on the road.
§ Mr. Horam:My right hon. Friend announced yesterday the launching of a national moped and motor cycle training scheme to be run by STEP Management Services Limited. The facilities of this scheme, which is to be sponsored by the motor cycle trade, are to be made available to local authorities who, in England and Wales, have the statutory responsibility for providing motor cycle training. One of the three courses under this scheme is designed to give riders four hours of basic instruction at training centres, before they go on the road. The Government welcome the decision to launch this scheme and commend it to local authorities. The scheme will begin operating in April next year. The Government grant aid the motor cycle training scheme which the Royal Automobile Club and the Auto Cycle Union operate in conjunction with many local authorities. Last year 13,604 riders enrolled for courses run under this scheme. These 830W courses include training at off-the-road centres and on the public road.