§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department is examining the possibility of disclosing copies of photographs obtained on driver licences to the police; whether powers in section 15(1) of the Road Vehicle (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971 would allow for this; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeThe Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency —DVLA—is currently collating and analysing responses to the consultation document on the proposal to include photographs on driving licences. The police are allowed access to the driver licensing records for law enforcement purposes under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1984. The DVLA would, as necessary, seek advice on disclosure of photographs from the Data Protection Registrar. Regulation 15 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971 specifically covers release of information from the vehicle register. I will make a further statement shortly.