§ 16. Mr. Delargyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the administrative difficulties experienced by licensing authorities, whether he will introduce legislation to amend the relevant sections of the Town Police Clauses Act, 1847, so as to increase the powers of licensing authorities over the revocation of hackney carriage drivers' licences.
§ Mr. RentonMy right hon. Friend cannot hold out any early prospect of legislation, but the suggestion has been noted for consideration in the event of a suitable opportunity for legislation occurring.
§ Mr. DelargyWhile thanking the hon. and learned Gentleman for advancing some way, may I ask whether he would agree that this legislation is rather overdue? For example, is not it odd that a local authority cannot revoke the licence of a person who may have been convicted for an offence under this very Act, and may even have been disqualified from driving by a judgment in court?
§ Mr. RentonYes, Sir, we accept that the present situation is not entirely satisfactory, but fortunately these cases are rare and we could not give it high priority in the list of matters requiring legislation.