§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) arrests and (b) convictions there have been for illegal plying for hire by minicab drivers for each of the last eight years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 6 May 1994]: Illegal plying for hire of itself is not an offence for which people are arrested. Information on the number of convictions for illegal plying for hire by minicab drivers is not available. The police do not keep information on crimes broken down by the alleged occupation of the criminal.
The present law prohibiting plying for hire by cars not licensed as taxis dates back to the middle of the last century. In its present form it is not easy to enforce. Modernisation is clearly a priority.
"Plying for hire" should not be confused with touting, although in practice taxi touts are normally associated with illegal plying for hire. I hope we can deal with the problem of touts through the Criminal Justice and Public Order Bill, at present under consideration in another place.