§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors underlay his decision not to permit the Saltire to be included on vehicle number plates, following the introduction of the proposed new regulation on number plates. [139157]
§ Mr. HillThe proposed new number plate regulations include provision for the optional display of the Euro-symbol, allowing motorists with such plates to dispense with the need for a separate national identification sticker when using their vehicles in other European member states. The EC regulation permitting this stipulates that the distinguishing sign shall be that of the member state, which under international treaties is "GB" for vehicles registered in Great Britain and Northern Ireland when visiting other countries party to the conventions. Under the terms of the EC regulation allowing the display of the Euro-symbol, the national identifier used must relate to the United Kingdom as a whole, in accordance with the international agreements, and include the EU circle of stars on a blue background only.