§ Mr. William PowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the present restrictions upon continuous driving by taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThere are no restrictions on the hours which taxi drivers may work. The nature of their operations is such that drivers are mostly employed on numerous short journeys between which there can often be long idle periods. However, consultation is currently being undertaken to gauge whether this is considered to be a problem which is posing a serious safety hazard. If it is, we shall have to identify appropriate remedial measures.