§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has about the current delays experienced by drivers and owners of London taxis in having them licensed by the Public Carriage Office; and what assessment he has made of the costs involved in such delays.
§ Mr. David MitchellI visited the Public Carriage Office on Tuesday 5 May and I understand that some of the recent delays are attributable to the increased proportion of vehicles presented in an unsatisfactory condition and requiring re-examination. Ways of reducing the delays are being explored. No assessment has been made of the costs involved.
§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect on the level of service at the Public Carriage Office of the introduction of a payment system; and what representations he has received from the cab trade on this matter.
§ Mr. David MitchellA cost recovery system was introduced in 1981 without effect on the level of service. I have received no recent representation on this matter.
§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff are currently available to 404W inspect taxis at the Public Carriage Office; how this figure compares with each of the last five years; what assessment he has made of the implications of current staff levels for delays being experienced by cab owners and drivers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellThere are 27 vehicle examiners at the Public Carriage Office. This is one more than the number available over the last five years. Steps are being taken to recruit further staff.
§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the ratio of cabs being presented for passing, against the number of carriage offices in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe number of carriage officers remained constant at 26 during the last five years. The number of cabs presented was:
Number 1982 24,768 1983 25,733 1984 27,440 1985 29,167 1986 30,321
§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in the light of the constraints on space at the Public Carriage Office, he will extend the hours during which it is open; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellThis is an operational matter for the Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police I understand that from 5 May 1987 the Public Carriage Office is open to receive vehicles from 7 am, one hour earlier than previously.
§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Transport what measures are being taken to recruit more staff to the Public Carriage Office; what problems have been experienced in recruiting; if a training scheme exists; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellSteps are being taken by the Public Carriage Office to recruit vehicle examining staff, but problems are being experienced in recruiting suitably qualified people. Specialist training is provided.