§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Trasnport how many representations he received during the consultation on the working party report on medical standards for heavy goods and public service vehicle drivers; and how many of these organisations were (a) in favour of the proposals and (b) against the proposals.
§ Mrs. ChalkerTwenty-eight replies to the consultation letter were received. Of the bodies that replied five were generally in favour; five made no comment; and two queried the need for higher standards than those required for ordinary driving licences. The rest offered a variety of comments on points of detail—both on procedural matters and in relation to particular medical conditions—but did not express an overall view of the report's recommendations.
§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Government propose to make any changes in the law on health checks for heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle vocational drivers following the report of the working party on medical standards for heavy goods and public service vehicles drivers; and if will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe report of the working party on medical standards for heavy goods and public service222W vehicle drivers, and the comments received in response to the consultation letter, are under consideration. No change in the law would be required to vary the scope or frequency of health checks for these drivers.