§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 is operating as intended so far as licenced private hire vehicles are concerned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellI believe that, on the whole, this Act is achieving its intended purpose.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many representations he has received from individuals and organisations about the workings of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 as it relates to private hire vehicles.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe Department has received a number of representations on these points over the years. Most of them have been requests from district councils for advice on the interpretation of the Act.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to amend the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to impose upon persons applying for a licence to operate a private hire vehicle (a) a test of local knowledge, (b) standards of road worthiness and (c) a requirement to display a certificate of current fully comprehensive insurance and the local authority licence number in a prominent position inside the vehicle; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellIt is already open to district councils to impose these requirements under the Act.