HL Deb 23 June 1965 vol 267 c502

2.31 p.m.

LORD COLWYN

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that, before March, 1964, persons who had failed the essential test for a licence to drive in Great Britain could obtain a licence in Eire and then drive on the roads here.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LINDGREN)

My Lords, anyone resident outside this country may, as a visitor, drive a motor vehicle in this country for one year on his foreign driving licence or on an international driving permit. This is a short-term concession to encourage tourism. Neither before nor after March, 1964, have driving licences issued in the Irish Republic been valid in this country on any other terms.

LORD COLWYN

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord. But I think it will be remembered that a short time ago, when I asked this Question, you shot me down and asked me to bring it up. I have brought it up as a Question. Can you give me now, or can you—

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE EARL OF LONGFORD)

My Lords, I do not wish to be pedantic, but can the noble Lord phrase his question in the ordinary way, and refer to my noble friend in the third person?

LORD COLWYN

My Lords, my main point is this: have we any check on how many British people have not passed their driving test but went to Ireland before 1964 and still drive in this country?

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, none can be driving in this country, because at the expiry of the twelve-month period from the issue of the Irish licence they would have to obtain a British licence by passing a test, in the same way as any other person.