Taxis (Hansard, 13 June 1995)

§ Mr. Hinchliffe
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation he has held with police authority representatives over plans to change the nature of number plates exhibited by taxis and private hire car vehicles. [27952]

§ Mr. Norris
None.

§ Mr. Hinchliffe
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how he will ensure that radio circuit operators monitor insurance records for taxis and private hire vehicles. [27953]

§ Mr. Norris
This is one of the matters that will be considered before legislation is introduced in Parliament.

§ Mr. Hinchliffe
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will promote a system of regular driver assessment for taxis and private hire vehicles. [27955]

§ Mr. Norris
No.

§ Mr. Hinchliffe
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if licensing authorities will have access to all relevant documentation required for the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles. [27956]

§ Mr. Norris
Yes, if it can be legally shown to them.

§ Mr. Hinchliffe
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to publish the operation by local authorities of a licensing life scheme, requiring the replacement of taxis after a specified number of years, following his response to the Transport Select Committee's recommendations on taxis and private hire vehicles in the fourth report of Session 1993–94. [27957]

§ Mr. Norris
None. The criterion should not be the age of the vehicle, but whether it is fit for its intended use.