§ 79. Mr. Lowasked the Minister of Fuel and Power which associations represented hire-car and taxi operators were represented in the conversations prior to the making of Statutory Instrument, No. 386; what proportion of the hire-car and taxi operators of the United Kingdom those associations claimed to represent; and what suggestion was made to him by those associations that coastal areas should be separately treated.
§ Mr. RobensThe Passenger Vehicle Operators Association, as representing the operators of hire-cars and provincial taxicabs, and the Taxi Fleet Operators Federation, as representing metropolitan taxicabs. It is not known what proportion of the hire-car and taxi operators are members of these bodies, but there is no doubt that they are in a position to give a considered view of the effect of the order on the operators of private hire-cars and taxis. No representations were made that special concessions should be given to operators in coastal areas, but this matter has subsequently been raised by the Passenger Vehicle Operators Association in informal discussions with the Ministry.
§ Mr. Thornton-KemsleyWas it not most imprudent of the Minister, in such an important matter, not to consult any interests operating in Scotland where the distances are such that this order is virtually inoperative and most unjust?
§ Mr. RobensThese are national organisations, and the Scottish taxicab operators could be members of the Association.