To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the implications of the arrangements by which a Chinese driving licence can be exchanged for a British licence, via a Hong Kong licence, for road safety in England; how many licences have been issued in exchange for Hong Kong licences; and if she will make a statement. (151475)

The arrangements which allow the exchange of Hong Kong licences for British licences are governed by legislation.

This requires the exchange of a Hong Kong licence even if it was issued as a result of a test passed elsewhere. There is no discretion but officials are considering the effect of the legislation.

Approximately 4,500 Hong Kong licences are exchanged for a British licence each year. Figures are not available for how many were issued as a result of a test passed in Hong Kong as this information is not required for the exchange process.