§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware that some London Boroughs are placing restrictions on the use of Taxicards, thereby putting disabled people in some areas at a disadvantage; and whether they consider this desirable.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)I understand some London boroughs have found the open-ended nature of the Taxicard scheme burdensome and have felt it necessary to restrict journeys made by individual users. This is entirely a matter for each borough to decide in the light of competing demands for expenditure.
§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether Computer Cab have been given a virtual monopoly of the London Taxicard system, and whether the exclusion of Radio Taxis and Dial-a-Cab will reduce the system's efficiency.
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraI understand that the contract in question was awarded on the basis of a competitive tender, and that it will be re-tendered from time to time to allow the London boroughs to satisfy themselves that they are getting the best possible value for money.