§ 29. Dr. Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the working party which he set up to examine the law relating to hackney carriages has completed its deliberations; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the problem of pirate taxi-cabs which was referred to that working party.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThe working party has not yet completed its deliberations. Although this matter is only incidental to the subject of the inquiry, consideration will be given to any recommendations about it which the working party may find it necessary to make.
§ Dr. KingIs the Home Secretary aware that the taxi-cab industry faces very serious economic problems, one of 2288 them being the menace of pirate taxis? Will he do what he can to speed up the completion of the work of the working party and its report and, in the meantime, will he take steps to stiffen up the penalties for piracy under the Hackney Carriage Act?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeIf the hon. Gentleman feels so strongly about it I will have another look at the matter. It is rather difficult to speed up the work of the working party because it has a great deal to consider, but I will certainly note the urgency and approach it in that way.