§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many of the responses to the consultation document, "Licensing Minicabs in London", advocated that private hire drivers in London should undergo a form of topographical training. [35847]
§ Dr. StrangThe majority of responses were in favour of some test of topographical knowledge for minicab drivers, though there was a range of views as to the nature of such a test.
§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to require applicants for licences as taxi drivers to pay for their own testing. [35845]
§ Dr. StrangSuch an arrangement might be desirable in principle, but would depend on an opportunity being found for primary legislation.
§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the statement by the Principal of the Public Carriage Office in February, that a map reading test will be a sufficiently rigorous check on topographical skills should licensing be introduced for private hire drivers, represents Government policy. [35858]
§ Dr. StrangDecisions on licensing arrangements for private hire vehicles drivers will be taken after the necessary primary legislation is in place.
§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation processes the Public Carriage Office undertakes when it proposes to make changes to its operating procedures. [35846]
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§ Dr. StrangI understand that the Public Carriage Office consults as it judges appropriate in the light of any particular change.
§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what process of consultation and policy development will be undertaken by the Public Carriage Office in developing topographical training and testing for licensed private hire vehicle drivers under his Department's proposals to license minicabs in London; which organisations will be formally included in the consultation process; and if testing procedures for private hire vehicles will also apply to licensed taxi drivers. [35877]
§ Dr. StrangIt is envisaged that there will be consultation with appropriate organisations on topographical knowledge testing as on other aspects of licensing arrangements. The details are for consideration once the necessary legislation is in place.