§ 48. Mr. Martin Lindsayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what privileges are given to owners of Corps Diplomatique cars; how many are so registered; and what means there are of preventing the unauthorised use of these letters.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Mayhew)The privileges enjoyed by members of foreign Diplomatic Missions include exemption from payment of motor car licence duty, from the fees charged on the issue of driving licences, and from the Driving Test. Those of them who enjoy personal Customs franchise need not pay Customs Import Duty and Purchase Tax on cars imported from abroad for their personal use. The number of cars for which "exempt" licences are at present in force is 767.
With regard to the final part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department to the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Joynson-Hicks) on 3rd November.
§ Mr. PiratinOn the question of the driving test, especially in view of the fact that drivers of those countries would perhaps be more experienced in their own countries and in driving on the other side of the road, is the Minister satisfied that they are qualified to drive in this country, and will he take steps to ensure that they are?