§ Mr. Bendallasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement about the ministerial responsibilities for taxis and private hire cars in England and Wales.
§ The Prime MinisterI have decided that Ministerial responsibility for taxis and private hire cars in England and Wales should be transferred with effect from 1 April 1984 from the Home Secretary to the Secretary of State for Transport.
As regards taxis in london, the functions transferred to the Secretary of State for Transport will include licensing, approving the level of taxi vehicle and driver licence fees, and setting the level of fares. The Home secretary, as police authority, will, however, retain an interest in the role of the Metropolitan police in relation to taxis in London.