§ 4. Mr. Arnold Shawasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made of the recent report of the British Safety Council on the subject of mini-cabs, a copy of which has been sent to him; and whether lie will, by legislation or otherwise, deal with the dangers inherent in mini-cabs as presently operated.
§ Miss BaconThe independent committee which my right hon. Friend is setting up to inquire into the taxi-cab and private hire car services in London following the announcement I made on 9th June will be concerned with these matters.
§ Mr. ShawWill the Minister of State agree that this is a most urgent matter? May I ask whether the committee to which she refers has yet been set up, or when it is intended to set it up?
§ Miss BaconThere is a Question on the Order Paper about this matter. As my hon. Friend will realise, an interesting debate was raised on the Adjournment a fortnight ago by my hon. Friend the Member for Ilkeston (Mr. Raymond 1924 Fletcher), when I announced the setting up of the inquiry.
§ Mr. HoggWill the right hon. Lady bear in mind that while many, and perhaps most, private hire firms are of the highest repute, there is some disquieting evidence that some firms are bogus and connected with the profession of organised crime in this country?
§ Miss BaconYes, Sir. We did not discuss that aspect of the matter during the debate, but if the right hon. and learned Gentleman has any information about it I should be very ready to look into it.