§ 36. Mr. Raymond Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to complete his consultations with the London taxicab trade on the recommendations of the Maxwell Stamp Committee, Command Paper No. 4483; and if he intends to introduce legislation based on the Committee's Report.
§ Mr. SharplesI cannot at present say how long consultations with the trade and other interests will take, or prejudge the legislation that may follow.
§ Mr. FletcherWould the hon. Gentleman not agree that legislation has become an act of urgency and, secondly, is he not aware that past precedent suggests that such legislation would be non-controversial and would go through this House and the other place quite speedily?
§ Mr. SharplesI am glad to have the hon. Gentleman's assurance that such legislation would be non-controversial; but I am sure he will agree that it is important for the Report to be considered properly, and also that consultations with those directly concerned should take place first.