Written question asked by Linda Perham (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 March 1998. It was answered by Gavin Strang (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 March 1998 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To 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.

Answer: Ms Perham: To 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. Strang: It 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 35877; 309 c153W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Cars Hire services Licensing Greater London Taxis Training Public Carriage Office Topography