§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many public service vehicle drivers' licences have been(a) applied for, (b) issued, (c) objected to by (i) the police, (ii) the public and (iii) others, (d) issued and (e) withdrawn by the authorities in the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on trends. [12870]
§ Mr. NorrisIn the year from 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995 the total number of vocational drivers licences issued was 167,650 of which we estimate 33,530 were public service vehicle drivers' licences. This figure includes provisional licences, renewals and replacements as well as new licences. During the same period, 59 licence applications were refused, 24 licences were suspended and 108 licences were revoked by traffic commissioners on grounds of the applicant's conduct record. There is no right of objection to the issue of driver licences but all relevant representations are considered by the traffic commissioners.
There is no consistent trend over the last four years.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further measures he proposes to take to prevent assaults on children by public service vehicle drivers. [12875]
§ Mr. NorrisThe traffic commissioners for each area take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that drivers whose conduct suggests they are unsuitable cannot be bus drivers. The primary responsibility for the safety of children in their charge rests with the schools and local education authorities.