§ Sir Fergus Montgomeryasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he plans any changes in the arrangements for issuing international driving permits to motorists travelling abroad; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerInternational driving permits have for many years been issued on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State by the Automobile Association, the Royal Automobile Club and the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. It is a task they perform responsibly and well. But I do not think the right to issue these permits should be restricted to these associations if other motoring organisations can show themselves to be suitably qualified. I have therefore decided, following examination of its proposed scheme, that the Secretary of State should delegate authority to the National Breakdown Recovery Club to issue international driving permits as from 1 January, 1986.