HC Deb 15 June 1955 vol 542 c586
41. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs his regulations regarding the qualification for a motor car owner to display the letters CD on his vehicle; how many cars in London are entitled to carry those letters; and how many actually do so.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. R. H. Turton)

Motor car plates bearing the letters CD are not issued by Her Majesty's Government and no official recognition is accorded to them. There are, therefore, no regulations relating to their use, and I am unable to state how many cars in London carry such plates.

Mr. Hynd

Does that reply mean that anyone can put a CD plate on his car—[HON. MEMBERS: "Yes."]—which may signify that he is connected with Civil Defence or that his name is Charlie Duncan or anything else beginning with CD? If that is possible, is it not most unsatisfactory, in view of the general impression that a CD plate means that the owner is attached to the Diplomatic Corps?

Mr. Turton

That is the position. Any form of adornment can, I understand, be placed upon a car, and informed persons are aware of the fact that CD does not confer any special immunity or privileges upon either the car or the owner.