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Proceeding contribution from Willie Rennie (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Commons on Monday, 15 June 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill.


Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill [Money]

I am grateful to the Minister for bringing the money resolution before the House this evening. I shall keep my remarks brief, as it is 10.20 pm already, which is well past my bedtime. This issue arose from the case of Lesley Anne Steele in my constituency. She was sexually assaulted by a driving instructor, but the very next day after he was convicted he was out teaching another young girl to drive in the very same community. She came to me and we worked together to try to find out how this could possibly have happened. We discovered that there was a loophole in the law that allowed driving instructors to continue to operate for a further 45 days. If we gain the power to suspend, this money resolution funds a compensation package so that on the rare occasion we get things wrong, compensation will be available. That is not unreasonable, as some people will lose in terms of both reputation and finance, as this might be their only source of earnings. We must have a compensation scheme to support those people who are wrongly suspended or who successfully appeal against their suspension. I am grateful to the Minister for bringing this measure before the House. The Bill is important, and I hope we can discuss its measures in more detail in Committee on Wednesday. Question put and agreed to.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
494 c134-5 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Disciplinary proceedings Compensation Fees and charges Licensing Driving instruction Driving Standards Agency Registration Standards Vetting Training
Legislation
Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk