§ 35. Ms Linda Perham (Ilford, North)What measures he proposes to ensure the safety of minicab passengers in London. [39541]
§ The Minister for Transport in London (Ms Glenda Jackson)The Government intend to introduce legislation for the regulation of London minicabs as soon as parliamentary time permits.
§ Ms PerhamI welcome my hon. Friend's reply. Is she aware that there were more than 60 sex attacks on women using minicabs in London last year? Can she confirm that the regulation of minicabs in London, which was promised in Labour's London manifesto, is supported not only by the private hire trade but by the black cab trade—many of whose drivers live in my constituency—the police and the people of London? Will she ensure that legislation will cover checks on a driver's criminal record, health and topographical knowledge, matters that were included in a private Member's Bill that was wrecked by one Conservative Member?
§ Ms JacksonI agree with every word that my hon. Friend uttered. As she knows, it was part of our manifesto commitment to London to introduce such regulation. It is important that both cars and drivers should be subject to checks. It is greatly to be regretted that a Bill originally 562 introduced by a former Conservative Secretary of State for Transport, the right hon. Member for North-West Hampshire (Sir G. Young), has fallen because of the actions of one Conservative Member.