§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the introduction of a European Community model driving licence by 1 January 1983; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David Howell:The Government supported the first Council directive on the introduction of a European Community driving licence, which was approved by the House of Commons on 4 November 1980 and adopted on 4 December 1980. Under the Directive, driving licences 85W issued by Community States can be exchanged by new residents after 1 January 1983. After 1 January 1986 all licences issued by Community States will be in a Community format.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Transport if Her Majesty's Government intend that recognition of driving licences in existing national form should be superseded by the European Community driving licence when the relevant directive comes into force.
§ Mr. Daivd Howell:No. Licences issued from 1 January 1986 will conform to the model prescribed in the directive on the European Community driving licence, adapted as necessary to meet this country's needs. The United Kingdom is not required to recall and reissue existing licences in the new form, and this would not be practicable.