§ 21. Colonel Burtonasked the Home Secretary whether he will cause an order to be issued to the effect that any person driving a motor vehicle must carry and produce their driving licence when called upon, either by the military or police, in order that it may be compared with their identification card and thereby form an additional safeguard against unauthorised persons using the roads?
§ Sir J. AndersonI agree that the production of a driving licence may serve as a useful check on a person's identity and that motorists should, therefore, in their own interests, carry their licences with them. A driver who, on being stopped, is unable to satisfy the constable or sentry as to his identity is liable, under the Defence Regulations, to be detained for inquiries.
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that under the law as it stands a driver is allowed five days in which to produce his licence?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am well aware of that, but the fact that the possession of a licence will help very considerably in identifying a driver should, I think, be a sufficient inducement to drivers to carry their licences with them.
§ Mr. SmithOught not the right hon. Gentleman to issue a notice informing the whole of the motoring public?
§ Sir J. AndersonNo doubt this Question and answer will attract some public attention.