HC Deb 08 March 1972 vol 832 cc1420-1
5. Miss Joan Hall

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider issuing a driving licence and making it proof against abuses by providing the holder's particulars as in the passport, including a photograph.

Mr. Peyton

No, Sir. I am not satisfied that such an extra requirement would be justified.

Miss Hall

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Incidentally I am "Madam", not "Sir". My hon. Friend replied "No, Sir". [Interruption.] Oh, I see; he was addressing me through the Chair. My suggestion was not ridiculous because there are quite a number of abuses through forgery of driving licences. Last year there were 2,256 findings of guilt. It would save a great deal of abuse of the driving licence if a photograph were attached.

Mr. Peyton

Well, Sir, I have given my hon. Friend's suggestion very careful thought. I still do not believe that it would be justified. Even the prospect that some licences, like my hon. Friend's, would become more decorative would not justify it.

Mr. Lipton

Would it not to make the licence holder fingerprints on his licence?

Mr. Peyton

The hon. Gentleman has some funny friends.