Mr. Hugh Creegan:

A total of 1,800. The pass rate is 46%. On the first test taken, the pass rate is approximately 23%, but, on average, people pass the driver entry test after 2.5 attempts. The figures in some counties are better than others, but the average figure is 2.5. We have close to an additional 1,000 new licences in the past 18 months. People are, therefore, passing the test and entering the industry.

The Deputy presented the issue of local area hackney licences as though we were somewhat against them.