§ Lord Alderdiceasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have received any representations from the British Diabetic Association or other bodies in respect of the adverse effects on insulin-dependent diabetic drivers of the provisions of European Union Directive 91/439. [HL557]
§ Baroness HaymanThe Government have received written representations from a number of bodies, including the British Diabetic Association (BDA), about the effect of implementation of Directive 91/439 on insulin-treated diabetic drivers. I met representatives of the BDA on 12 February to discuss their concerns.
§ Lord Alderdiceasked Her Majesty's Government:
What new scientific evidence supports the restrictions on insulin-dependent drivers introduced by European Union Directive 91/439. [HL556]
§ Baroness HaymanEvidence of the dangers of driving by insulin-treated diabetics predates Directive 91/439 and has led to the introduction of restrictions on such driving in many countries, reflecting international medical opinion. At the EU level, restrictions on the driving of heavier and larger vehicles were required by the First Driving Licence Directive, adopted in 1980. The further harmonisation under Directive 91/439 27WA requires that drivers of 3.5–7.5 tonne lorries and minibuses with 9–16 seats should also have to meet the more stringent health standards.
§ Lord Alderdiceasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will seek to amend European Directive 91/439 in order to ensure that insulin-dependent diabetic drivers are individually assessed rather than treated as a homogeneous group. [HL558]
§ Baroness HaymanThe directive requires that licences to drive Group 2 Vehicles are not granted or renewed to insulin-treated diabetics other than in very exceptional cases. Any change to that requirement would be for the European Commission to propose. The Government are implementing the directive in accordance with advice received from the Secretary of State's Advisory Panel on Diabetes and Driving.