§ Q2. Mr. Henry Clarkasked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to transfer responsibility for licensing and controlling London taxis from the Home Office to the Ministry of Transport.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not at present satisfied that advantage would result from the transfer of responsibility from the Home Office to the Ministry of Transport suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. ClarkWill the Prime Minister tell us whether this decision was dictated by the interests of an integrated transport system or efficiency, or both?
§ The Prime MinisterAs the whole House recognises, this is a different question. The arguments are finely balanced. In terms of other transport facilities in 1274 the area, there is obviously a case for transfer to the Ministry of Transport. I think, however, that the House will feel that on the other side—and perhaps this is on balance the overriding argument—it is desirable that the Department controlling these services should be the one responsible for the police.