asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the statutory provisions governing the licensing of taxis in Scotland.

In general, district and islands councils can license taxis under Section 270 of and Schedule V to the Burgh Police (Scotland) Act 1892. In a few areas, including the four city districts, licensing powers are contained in local Acts. Following local government reorganisation all these powers, until they are replaced by new general legislation, can be exercised only in the areas where they applied before the reorganisation.