§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many taxis operating in the people's taxis scheme of the Falls and Shankhill Road have been prosecuted for operating with- 612W out a licence, for overcrowding, or for breach of insurance laws; how much revenue these operations are estimated to take away from Citybus Limited; how many such taxis are estimated to operate; whether he has any evidence of paramilitary involvement; and what plans he has to deal with this situation.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesSince 1972 there have been 21 prosecutions of taxi drivers for operating without a licence, and 18 for operating in breach of the insurance laws. There have been no prosecutions for overcrowding.
No accurate estimate is possible, but it is thought that if there were no taxis the revenue of Citybus might be at least £1 million more.
Of the 758 licensed taxis in Belfast some 400 are estimated to be operating specifically in the Falls and Shankhill areas. There are also believed to be some unlicensed taxis operating in these areas in this way.
I understand that there is no specific evidence of para-military involvement.
I am keeping the situation under review.