§ 9. Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future of the London taxicard scheme following the agreement reached by the London co-ordinating committee of boroughs.
§ Mr. David MitchellAround 30 such letters have been received in the last four months. I have welcomed the decision of the London boroughs to continue the scheme along with other concessionary travel arrangements.
§ Mr. GreenwayIs it not a matter for congratulation that after the abolition of the GLC all the London borough's will continue the taxicard scheme and that concessionary travel passes for pensioners, the disabled and blind people and dial-a-ride will continue? Will my hon. Friend end, once and for all, the GLC's constant lies, which are put about at public expense, that those services will not continue after abolition?
§ Mr. MitchellMy hon. Friend is correct in saying that the taxicard and dial-a-ride schemes will continue. I join him in deploring the deception by which elderly and disabled people are frightened and misled by the GLC's campaign suggesting that that would not happen.
§ Mr. Tony BanksIs the hon. Gentleman aware that all the London boroughs have not agreed to support the taxicard scheme? The Tory boroughs of Sutton, Bromley, Barnet and Hillingdon have all refused to become involved in the Londonwide scheme for the taxicard. What pressure will the hon. Gentleman put on those Tory boroughs to come into the scheme, or will he be as complacent as they are?
§ Mr. MitchellThat is a decision for them. It is a democratically arrived at decision, for which they will take responsibility. They will be answerable to the electorate for their decision.