Vol. 426 No. 5
178 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the problems being experienced by hackney drivers in the application of regulations imposed by him; if he will amend those regulations with a view to the elimination of differences between hackney and taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
One of the key issues which prompted the establishment of the review of the law applying to the operation of small public service vehicles generally was the conflict between taxi and hackney interests which exists in certain areas.
The report of the committee established to carry out that review was published on 1 July, 1992. Because of the extent of the changes recommended and the high level of interest in the matter, I allowed a period for interested persons and bodies to consider the issue and make submissions to me. A total of 85 submissions were made. Subsequent to their receipt I held detailed discussions with representatives of interest groups, including hackney operators. The recommendations of the review committee do not represent the only way forward and I am at present considering a range of options taking into account the views which have been expressed to me. I do not intend to introduce any fundamental changes to the regulations which relate to the relationship between hackney and taxi operations until such time as I have completed my consideration of those options.
