HL Deb 26 March 2001 vol 624 cc9-10WA
Lord Shore of Stepney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations (S.I. 2001/561) has been approved by the Council of Ministers; whether it was adopted unanimously or by qualified majority vote: and, if the latter, how the Minister representing the United Kingdom voted. [HL1284]

Lord Whitty

The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 is domestic legislation and does not require the approval of the European Council of Ministers.

Council Regulations 2411/98 which requires member states to recognise number plates incorporating the Euro-symbol as an alternative to the traditional oval sticker was adopted unanimously by the Council of Ministers.

Lord Shore of Stepney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations (S.I. 2001/561) permit the display of the Euro-symbol, the 12 stars in gold, on vehicle licence plates as from 1 September 2001.[HL1285]

Lord Whitty

The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 will permit the display of the Euro-symbol along with the UK national distinguishing sign "GB" on a voluntary basis on vehicle number plates from 1 September 2001.

Lord Shore of Stepney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations (S.I. 2001/561) allow, as an alternative to the display of the Euro-symbol the display of a British national symbol on vehicle licensing plates as from 1 September 2001. [HL1286]

Lord Whitty

The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 will prohibit the display of any symbol on number plates other than the United Kingdom national identification letters "GB" together with the Euro-symbol. This does not preclude the use of the traditional GB sticker elsewhere on the back of the car.