HL Deb 14 March 1991 vol 527 cc358-9

Lord Brabazon of Tara rose to move that the draft order laid before the House on 6th February be approved [10th Report from the Joint Committee].

The noble Lord said: My Lords, international conventions provide for the free movement of traffic between countries which are party to the conventions. In this country the Motor Vehicles (International Circulation) Order, made under provisions in the International Circulation Act 1952, prescribes the detail of the various documents, fees, minimum ages and enforcement arrangements which apply to our residents who wish to drive abroad and visitors from abroad who wish to drive here. The principal order giving effect to those arrangements is the Motor Vehicles (International Circulation) Order 1975. The order which is now before your Lordships is a "tidying up" order. I shall now outline the details.

Article 1 gives details of the commencement date for the provisions in the order.

Under Articles 2 and 3 visitors to Great Britain who hold valid driving licences or convention driving permits may drive vehicles covered by their licence or permit for a prescribed period from the date they last entered the country.

It is necessary for the order to reflect the new driver licensing terms of large goods vehicle and passenger carrying vehicle which come into use from 1st April 1991 with the bringing into force of Sections 1(1) and 2(1) of the Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 by the Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (Commencement No. 4) order on that date. This introduces a unified system of driver licensing of large lorries and buses in place of the old system which required drivers of such vehicles to hold an ordinary driving licence in addition to a heavy goods or public service vehicle driving licence. Articles 2 and 3 make appropriate amendments to reflect the new driver licensing arrangements. I commend the order to the House. I beg to move.

Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 6th February be approved [10th Report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord Brahazon of Tara.).

Lord Underhill

My Lords, the House is grateful to the noble Lord for outlining the order. It is a very commonsense and practical order. Perhaps the Minister will assure the House that there is no difference in the licensing arrangements and conditions of driving of what I still refer to as heavy goods vehicles and passenger service vehicles. We shall have to get used to the new terms. I believe that I shall receive that definite assurance. We welcome the order.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I can give the noble Lord that assurance. However, I am afraid that he and other noble Lords will have to get used to using the new terms.

On Question, Motion agreed to.

Lord Cavendish of Furness

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn during pleasure until 8.20 p.m.

Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.

[The Sitting was suspended from 8 to 8.20 p.m.]