§ 29. Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet concluded his consultations on the Maxwell Stamp Report.
§ Mr. FinsbergDoes my hon. Friend realise that he has given a very unsatisfactory answer? The talks have been proceeding for about 18 months and the majority of the cab trade is becoming absolutely frustrated. Will he try to ensure that the consultations are concluded by the end of the year?
§ Mr. LaneI am not satisfied with the time that this is taking, either, but important questions are raised by the report and although we have made good head-way and a great deal of agreement has been reached already in our consultations with the trade and the Greater London Council, there are still outstanding points which need to be considered. I assure my hon. Friend that we shall press ahead with it as quickly as possible, and I hope that we shall be in a position to say something within a few months.