HL Deb 18 December 1961 vol 236 cc500-1

2.38 p.m.

LORD WALERAN

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can say—

(1) How many cases have there been reported to the Police of obstructions to Minicabs:

(2) How many cases have there been reported to the Police of actual attacks on Minicabs, or their drivers, or their passengers.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (EARL BATHURST)

My Lords, the latest figures show the Metropolitan Police have received 16 complaints of obstruction of minicabs by licensed taxis and 22 of wilful damage to minicabs. There have been 21 complaints of assault and 3 of threatened assault on minicab drivers.

LORD WALERAN

My Lords, arising out of the noble Earl's Answer, could he tell the House in how many of the cases reported under paragraphs (1) and (2) of my Question proceedings have been taken for driving in a dangerous manner or for driving without due care and attention or for attemping to cause bodily harm?

EARL BATHURST

My Lords, there have been certainly no cases of attempting to cause bodily harm. There have been 3 cases of driving dangerously.

LORD COLWYN

My Lords, might I ask the noble Earl whether he can tell me, after that answer, how many cases of injury to drivers or passengers as a result of obstruction or attack have been reported?

EARL BATHURST

My Lords, I cannot tell the noble Lord the answer to that question, but I will see whether I can find out and let him know privately.