§ 46. Mr. D. Footasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations Her Majesty's Government have received from the Pakistani High Commissioner in London or from the Pakistani Government regarding the alleged overcharging of Pakistani immigrants by a small number of taxi-drivers at London Air port; and what action has been taken to investigate these complaints and to prevent their recurrence.
§ Mr. SandysI have received no representations from the Pakistan High Commissioner; but these and related allegations have been discussed with members of his staff, and with the Government of Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
The London Airport administration became concerned last year about exorbitant charges to immigrants made by a small number of drivers of taxis and other vehicles. Under the Hackney Carriage Acts, a high charge for a journey over six miles is not in itself 162W illegal. Nevertheless, the airport administration did what they could to discourage these practices, and in July my Department drew the attention of the Pakistan High Commission to the situation.
The recent large increase in the number of immigrants from Pakistan has aggravated this problem; and the Pakistan authorities have taken steps, both to limit the issue of passports, and to ensure that proper arrangements have been made for the reception of Pakistanis coming to Britain. We welcome this.
The police are carefully investigating whether there is evidence of any breaches of our law in the various allegations made about the exploitation of immigrants, and the Pakistan High Commission has been invited to make available any information known to them.