HC Deb 08 November 1973 vol 863 cc1160-1
15. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list his powers over the use of CD plates on motor cars; and in what circumstances these are permitted as part of the equipment of a hire car.

Mr. Carlisle

My right hon. Friend has no such powers in respect of motor vehicles generally or of hire cars in particular.

Mr. Godman Irvine

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that he is the second Minister to whom I have addressed a Question to find out who has any power? As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary has just expressed concern about accidents to children and has mentioned the assistance received from the Osmond Brothers, may I ask whether he noticed that a child was involved in an accident with a car in which those gentlemen were being driven and that that car was displaying CD plates? Is he further aware that regular users of the vehicles of London Airport private hire conveyors are under the impression that CD plates are given favourable consideration?

Mr. Carlisle

I am glad to say to my hon. Friend that, true to consistency, he received the same answer from my hon. Friend as he has had from myself. CD plates have no official status in this country and confer no privileges in respect of the vehicles to which they are attached. I agree with my hon. Friend that that should be made clear and known to everyone.

Mr. Pavitt

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman explain why for three weeks in Great Smith Street, on a yellow line outside Church House, there has been a line of cars bearing CD plates which has congested the traffic on the 88 bus route and has been a nuisance in the area?

Mr. Carlisle

The hon. Gentleman may be confusing the CD plate, which gives no privilege, with the fact that certain people may claim diplomatic immunity from prosecution. The police have exactly the same power to remove a car bearing a CD plate as they have to remove other cars.