§ Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport at what stage it was agreed that the European driving licence should include 12 gold stars; if it was agreed by majority voting; what was the United Kingdom's position; if the United Kingdom Government may incorporate a Union Jack in the United Kingdom format; and what provision there is for drivers who wish to maintain a licence not incorporating gold stars. [24281]
§ Mr. NorrisI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the proposed photocard licence, which will have the letters UK surrounded by the European logo of 12 stars. A common position on the draft directive providing for the photocard was adopted at the Transport Council on 7 to 8 December 1995, with United Kingdom support. The European logo makes licences easily recognisable throughout the EU and will be of assistance to the many drivers who drive abroad. There is no provision for driving licences to be issued in different formats, but we have no plans to call in current licences. There is scope for national symbols to be inserted on the photocard.