§ 1. Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will implement the Maxwell Stamp Report 1970.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Dr. Shirley Summerskill)Two of the Maxwell Stamp Committee's recommendations, on compellable hirings at Heathrow and more stringent control over signs carried on unlicensed vehicles, have been implemented. Consultations with the Greater London Council about the committee's main recommendation for the establishment of a statutory board to control both taxis and private hire cars in London are still in progress.
§ Mr. FinsbergIs the hon. Lady aware that that is a totally unsatisfactory answer and that until two weeks ago there had been no contact at ministerial level with elected members at County Hall for a period of two and a half years and no consultation at official level for several months, as stated in her letter dated 19th April to the Greater London Council?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe hon. Gentleman is misinformed in his allegations. The lack of progress has been caused by fluctuations of opinion and party on the GLC. Progress was being made until May last year, when the new Conservative-controlled Council decided not to proceed with assuming control over London taxis. I have had it confirmed in a letter this morning that that is still the Council's 422 position, although those responsible are prepared to consider control of private hire cars.
§ Mr. DalyellIn view of recommendation 70 of the Maxwell Stamp Committee on compellable hirings between Heathrow and central London, is my hon. Friend aware that many of us who use Heathrow regularly, albeit that we ourselves travel by Tube, nevertheless tend to be inundated with complaints by visitors about the whole situation affecting taxis at Heathrow? Is there not a case for examining the matter seriously, because there are probably two sides to the argument?
§ Dr. SummerskillIf my hon. Friend will give me details of the complaints made to him, I shall examine them.