HC Deb 06 November 1979 vol 973 cc141-2W
Mr. Weetch

asked the Minister of Transport what is the average waiting period for a driving test in Ipswich, and in East Anglia as a whole.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The waiting period at Ipswich is 30 weeks. The average in the Eastern traffic area is 28½ weeks. Additional examiners are being posted to Ipswich as soon as practicable.

Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Minister of Transport what progress he is making in his efforts to reduce the long delays for driving tests.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I am encouraged by the results so far of our efforts to recruit more examiners. But we inherited a dreadful situation and I am afraid there is some way to go before we can expect waiting times to come down to a reasonable level.