asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many test examiners are stationed at the driving test centre in Bedford; and whether the number is sufficient to meet the demand on the service for the grant of full licences.

The staffing of the centre is being reviewed.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the delay currently being experienced for taking driving tests at the driving test centre in Bedford; and how many appointments have had to be cancelled due to lack of availability or illness of staff.

16 weeks on 28th April. We regret that, between 2nd January and 28th April, 503 appointments had to be cancelled. Fresh appointments were provided in most cases within three weeks, and in all cases within a month.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give an analysis of the number of applicants by age groups for a full driving licence at the driving test centre in Bedford, the number of passes on the initial test, and second and subsequent tests in each group, for the most recent year for which figures are available.

We regret that this information is not available. In 1977, 7,198 tests were conducted at Bedford and 3,251 candidates—45·16 per cent.—passed.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give an estimate of the full cost to his Department of taking a driving test for a full licence; and if he will compare that figure with the fee actually charged to the Department.

£7·30 and £6·75 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the waiting period for driving tests at the Dundee centre and overall.

15 weeks in both cases.