HC Deb 26 January 1998 vol 305 cc14-5W
Mr. Alasdair Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of the regional office of the Driving Standards Agency at Haymarket House, Edinburgh. [24420]

Ms Glenda Jackson

[holding answer 22 January 1998]: The Driving Standards Agency is currently reviewing its Area Office structure. The Agency's preferred option is to relocate the driving test booking operation from Haymarket House to its Newcastle Office but to retain a number of administrative activities, such as handling examiner deployment, customer service and estates functions, in Edinburgh. We expect to announce the results of that review soon.

Mr. Alasdair Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of the driving test centres at(a) Edinburgh, Newington, (b) Saltcoats, (c) Hamilton, (d) Aberfeldy, (e) Girvan, (f) Cumnock, (g) Callander, (h) Fort Augustus, (i) Tarbert, (j) Bettyhill, (k) Helmsdale and (l) Duns. [24421]

Ms Glenda Jackson

[holding answer 22 January 1998]: The Driving Standards Agency is currently reviewing its test centre estate across England, Scotland and Wales to ascertain whether there is scope for rationalisation while retaining satisfactory levels of service. There are no plans at present to withdraw the driving test service from any of those centres identified by the hon. Member. Any proposals to close particular test centres at a later date would be subject to consultation with local driving instructor groups, local authority interests and the Members within whose constituencies those centres are located.

Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the plans by the Driving Standards Agency to move the driving test centre in Beeches Road, Chelmsford to another site in the town; and when he expects the move to take place. [25290]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Driving Standards Agency proposes to relocate its driving test centre to a new site at the Chelmar Business Park. Subject to contracts being agreed and the due planning process being completed, a new centre should be opened either later this year or early next year.