HL Deb 19 November 1968 vol 297 cc635-6
LORD ST. JUST

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 the test for cab drivers under the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869 is still strictly enforced by the Commissioner of Police.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD STONHAM)

>: Yes, my Lords, these tests are still being strictly enforced by examiners of the Public Carriage Office under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner.

LORD ST. JUST

My Lords, I should like to thank the Minister for his Answer.

BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGER

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether it is still true that applicants for motor cab licences in the Metropolitan Area are required to state, not whether they have ever been convicted by a criminal court but—as was the case some years ago—whether they have been summoned before a criminal court?

LORD STONHAM

No, my Lords. One of the requirements before a licence is granted for driving a taxi-cab in the Metropolitan Area is that the applicant must be of good character and fit to act as a cab driver. The question posed by my noble friend might be regarded as evidence that the applicant was not of good character.

BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGER

My Lords, surely my noble friend is not suggesting that the mere summons before a criminal court is evidence of bad character, even if the defendant is subsequently acquitted.

LORD STONHAM

No, my Lords; I quite agree with my noble friend.

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