Call Sign: Some in the LTDA are insisting that the LTB are after a three month Knowledge. What is your view on that and if you disagree, what do you think would be a reasonable time?
Brian Rice: A three-month Knowledge is nonsense and I personally have never heard anyone on the LTB talk about a three-month Knowledge. On 3rd March 1998, the Government announced a review of the Knowledge. Roy Ellis, the Principal at the PCO, explained the reasons at the time:
"It is appropriate to consider whether, if there were to be a judicial review, the system would withstand scrutiny." As Roy Ellis indicated, the PCO were concerned that if the Knowledge was challenged, it could fail legal requirements for transparency. In addition, the 1999 Local Government Act required public bodies, including the PCO, to scrutinise how they carried out their business and demonstrate 'best value'. Consequently, the PCO had no option but to carry out a review of the Knowledge. In light of the above, the LTB thought it was right and proper to be involved in the review process as the Knowledge is the cornerstone of our industry, and the LTB will fight for it to remain so.

Call Sign: So how long do you think the Knowledge should take to complete to the standard we currently have?
Brian Rice: Very difficult to answer as people learn at different speeds; it is not the testing but the learning. If I'm put on the spot, an average person who works hard should take between 18months to 2years.

Call Sign: It is common knowledge that DaC are soon to take on new drivers. Wouldn't you want a shorter Knowledge in order to make more drivers available?
Brian Rice: Absolutely not, I have a waiting list of over 500 drivers without advertising, how many do you think I need!

Call Sign: It has been said that the manufacturing reps - ie LTI and Metrocab - only care about selling more vehicles, therefore a shorter Knowledge would suit them?
Brian Rice: I don't think that I have to defend the manufacturers, they are quite capable of looking after themselves. However, it is a fact that their sales are best in areas where there is a limitation on licences. The drivers do better; consequently they are more inclined to change their vehicles more frequently. If London were flooded with drivers, the 

THE LONDON TAXI BOARD:
BRIAN RICE
ANSWERS QUESTIONS

work would become more scarce, the drivers would not do so well and they would not change their vehicles so often.

Call Sign: Why did the LTDA leave the LTB and is it true that they had the power of veto over any LTB decision made?
Brian Rice: Goodness knows why they left, although privately I have my own views. But yes, they did have the power of veto over any decision arrived at.

Call Sign: Who would you say represents drivers on the LTB?
Brian Rice: The T&G represent drivers, although I can't emphasise enough that I am very conscious of representing DaC members best interests.

Call Sign: Why was the London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC) not invited to join the LTB?
Brian Rice: Organisations are not invited to join, they apply. They have to meet the required criteria ie being financially stable and having sufficient membership. However, the LTDA were opposed to the LCDC membership - and we have already spoken about the veto.

Call Sign: It seems to me that much of the LTB's problems stem from lousy PR. How do you feel about it?
Brian Rice: Yes I agree, I have told them on numerous occasions that their PR is abysmal, after all, my members know how I feel about image. However, in recent times their press releases have grown in number - which is good. I like to think that things have improved - even if it is just to stop me moaning!