asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to the representations made to him by the London taxicab trade for the establishment of a joint consultative committee to discuss matters of general concern to the trade; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. and learned Friend has informed the representatives of the trade that he agrees to the setting up of such a Committee, and he is consulting them about terms of reference and other details.

Can my hon. Friend add to that very welcome reply—welcome, that is, to the trade as well as to me—some indication of the terms of reference for the proposed committee?

The terms of reference will have to be agreed between ourselves and the trade, but I can indicate that its principal rôle will be an exchange of views between the authorities and the taximen about hackney carriage law.