HC Deb 03 March 1965 vol 707 c1316
15. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the British Railways Board, to prevent it from imposing restrictions on the access of taxis to railway stations.

Mr. Swingler

No, Sir.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the Minister know that one firm of taxi licence holders is given a monopoly to ply to and from Aberdeen railway station, to the exclusion of all other taxi owners in the city, thereby inflicting great loss and inconvenience upon the general public? Will he rectify this?

Mr. Swingler

This is a managerial matter for the British Railways Board and it would not be appropriate for intervention by the Minister. It is a matter which was gone into in 1958 by a committee which reported that the present system of giving tenancies outside London was satisfactory. Firms have the opportunity to tender to the Board. We know that the hon. and learned Gentleman has been in communication with the Board about the matter, but it is something upon which the Railways Board must reply.

Mr. Hughes

But is it within the Minister's direction—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think we had better get out of our taxis.