4. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Transport why international motor vehicle driving licences are not given full recognition in this country.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)An international driving permit is not a licence within the meaning of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, but, under the Motor Car (International Circulation) Order, 1930, a visitor from abroad who holds an international driving permit can obtain a British licence free of charge and without undergoing the driving test.
Air-Commodore HarveyDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that in other countries a visiting foreigner can use his licence without any paraphernalia for changing it? Why not do that in respect of the tourist in this country, so as to make his visit as simple as possible?
§ Mr. BarnesI do not think this puts tourists to much inconvenience. As I pointed out in my reply, an international permit is not classified as a licence. But I will look into the matter and see if it is possible to do anything.
§ Captain CrookshankWill the right hon. Gentleman also look into what formalities the visitor has to go through to get a corresponding document?
§ Mr. BarnesThey are very simple.