§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether, in the light of the recent amendment in the Road Traffic Bill that facilitates the vetting of those applying for a taxi driver's licence, he will issue advice to local authorities covering(a) how to determine what offences makes a person not a fit and proper person to hold a taxi licence, (b) the case for establishing an independent appeals procedure should a licence be refused and (c) the need to ensure that the criminal record is accurate, is relevant to the issuing of the licence and relates to the licence applicant; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Government will be consulting the police and licensing authorities prior to issuing a circular detailing the checking arrangements for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers' licences. The circular will include advice on how to interpret the criminal record and on procedures for dealing with disputed information.