I propose to take Questions Nos. 719 and 720 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle sector, including the rules in relation to hackney licensing or the transfer of licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the authority for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days. In my announcements of 8 and 24 June respectively, I clarified the terms of reference and the membership of the Taxi Regulation Review Group, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The review will enable the necessary further reforms of the sector to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced. It will address a wide range of issues relating to the taxi sector including the current regulatory policy and practices, licensing systems, enforcement and future dialogue with the taxi sector. The consultation on the review extends to all interested parties and stakeholders through an invitation for written submissions to be made by 5 August 2011.
