HC Deb 21 May 1974 vol 874 cc121-2W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has that overseas visitors, having failed the British driving test after 12 months' stay in Great Britain, make a day trip across the Channel, thus qualifying for a further 12–months' test-free driving on British roads; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Carmichael

My right hon. Friend has no such evidence. There are international conventions, to which the United Kingdom is a party, governing the recognition of driving permits held by temporary visitors.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many overseas visitors, having used British roads without a British driving licence, subsequently failed the driving test in the last year for which figures are available.

Mr. Carmichael

I regret that this information is not available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated number of overseas visitors driving on British roads without a British driving licence.

Mr. Carmichael

My right hon. Friend has no means of making such an estimate.

Forward to