HC Deb 07 August 1975 vol 897 cc717-8
24. Mr. Mates

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from interested bodies on the need for early legislation for the regulation of taxis and private hire cars; whether he is satisfied that these vehicles should be regulated under an Act 130 years old; and what plans he has to introduce legislation.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Dr. Shirley Summerskill)

Representations have been received from a number of MPs, local authority associations, individual local authorities and trade associations. My right hon. Friend recognises the need for amending legislation on this subject, and draft proposals are being prepared which he hopes will be circulated in the autumn to the interested bodies.

Mr. Mates

Is the hon. Lady aware that that answer is very welcome indeed? Will she take note of the peculiar anomalies in the operation of taxis and private hire cars in rural areas which have urban communities amongst them? It is there that the confusion of the out-dated law is the greatest. To sort this out would be of great help.

Dr. Summerskill

It is because there are these anomalies and because considerable complications have been introduced by local government reorganisation that we are introducing amending legislation.

Mr. Horam

Will my hon. Friend confirm that the trade unions will receive copies of the proposed legislation which she is considering? Will these proposals also cover the question of advertising by unlicensed private hire cars? Does my hon. Friend agree that it is time we had a proper economic study of the whole question throughout the entire country in order to put the whole matter on a viable and sensible basis instead of the restricted coverage that we now have?

Dr. Summerskill

I shall see that the trade unions are sent the proposals. I am sure that they will include suggestions about advertising. As to the economic point, I shall refer that to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.