Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Stevens Excerpts

Thursday 15th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hayes]

Of course we always give consideration to those kind of matters and it is important that we give credit where credit is due. When I have worked out, following the hon. Gentleman’s rather long question, whether credit is due, I will decide whether or not to give it.

[Jo Stevens (Cardiff Central) (Lab)]

9. What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of existing legislation for the taxi and private hire vehicle industries.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Andrew Jones)]

Local councils have the powers to provide effective licensing arrangements in their area, but legislation is in the House to strengthen the current framework. We will consult on new statutory guidance for local licensing authorities once the parliamentary process is complete.

[Jo Stevens]

I thank the Minister for his reply. Internet and smartphone use has revolutionised private hire vehicle services. Does he believe that current legislation, which is now several decades old, is adequately regulating this technology?

[Andrew Jones]

The legislation that governs this sector goes back many, many more decades, to the age of the horse and carriage. That is why the Government asked the Law Commission to take a comprehensive review of taxi and private hire regulation in England and Wales. Obviously, it is a devolved matter in Scotland and Northern Ireland. We will be responding to the Law Commission’s report in due course.