§ 15. Mr. Donald AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress on including a photograph of the holder on driving licences. [4016]
§ Sir George YoungWith the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, we are reviewing the timetable for the introduction of photographs on driving licences.
§ Mr. AndersonWill the Minister confirm that no further legislative action is required in respect of photocard driving licences? Following his visit, he must be aware that in Morriston in my constituency great investment has been made in the relevant machinery and that people have been trained and are ready to go. When will he give the off?
§ Sir George YoungOn the first question, the hon. Gentleman is correct: no further legislation is required for photocards on driving licences. On his substantive point. my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary announced in August that, following public consultation, the Government had decided that the planned plastic photocard driving licence linked to a voluntary identity card would be available. We had previously secured an amendment to the EU directive to allow that. It was announced in the Queen's Speech that a draft identity card Bill would be published this Session.