§ Mr. Butterfillasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to designate after 31 July driving licences valid in the United States of America as acceptable for exchange with United Kingdom driving licences.
§ Mrs. ChalkerNo. My right hon. Friend may designate countries and territories for the purpose of driving licence exchange if he is satisfied with the basis on which they grant licences, and after consultation with representative organisations. The USA appears an unpromising candidate since surveys of its driving tests have shown that in 40 per cent. of the states the candidate is tested for between six and 15 minutes on the public road and in 80 per cent. for 20 minutes or less, as compared with the 30 minutes we consider important in this country.