§ Mr. Raymond Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that many licensed taxi drivers in the Metropolis are having fixed penalty notices imposed on them when they are legitimately assisting the public either by delivering parcels or letters or responding to telephoned requests to cab ranks; and if he will direct the Metropolitan Commissioner of Police to instruct his officers not to be over-zealous in the execution of this part of their duties.
§ Mr. LaneResponsibility for enforcing the law in the Metropolitan Police District rests with the Commissioner of Police. I understand that he does not accept the view that fixed penalty notices are issued unreasonably.
§ Mr. Raymond Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the disregard of cab rank regulations by private cars that is taking place within the area of central London; and if he will instruct the Metropolitan Commissioner of Police to enforce these regulations more rigidly.
§ Mr. LaneEnforcement of the law is the responsibility of the Commissioner of Police. I understand that he considers that these regulations are adequately enforced.
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§ Mr. Raymond Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now bring into force Section 3 of the London Cab Act, 1968, to ensure some relaxation of the restrictions on the parking of licensed taxicabs.
§ Mr. LaneThis Section came into force on 15th February, 1968, when the London Cab Act received the Royal Assent.
§ Mr. Raymond Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will direct the Metropolitan Commissioner of Police to take firmer steps to implement Section 4 of the London Cab Act, 1968, to prevent private cars from using illuminated telephone signs and cards on windscreens which suggest that they are available for hire on the same terms as licensed taxicabs.
§ Mr. LaneEnforcement of the law is the responsibility of the Commissioner of Police. He is satisfied that action is taken whenever there is sufficient evidence to support a prosecution, within the existing law.
§ Mr. Raymond Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to amend the London Cab Act, 1968, to eliminate the increasing exploitation of the public by alleged private hire operators.
§ Mr. LaneMy right hon. Friend has undertaken to consider representations from the licensed taxi trade on this matter and to look carefully at any proposals for legislation which may be put to him.