§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plan he has for the relaxation or alteration of the regulations governing the use of private motor vehicles for hire.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend has at present no plans to amend the legislation on the control of taxis and private-hire cars, but he hopes to issue a consultative document on the matter in due course, as a basis for discussion with the local authority associations and other interested organisations.
§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what 42W are the statutory limits placed upon the use of (a) taxi cabs and (b) private-hire vehicles.
§ Dr. Summerskill(a) Taxis may ply for hire within the area for which they are licensed and may accept hirings made by advance booking. In London, the licensing area is the City of London and the Metropolitan Police District; and licences are issued by an Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. In England and Wales outside London licences are normally issued by district councils.
(b) Private-hire cars may not ply for hire but may accept hirings made by prior arrangement. Under local Act provisions or under Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 private-hire vehicles may be licensed for hire by local authorities, usually district councils. Where private-hire licensing is in force only licensed private-hire vehicles and taxis may accept bookings.