The Secretary of State may by order direct that for the reference to the distance of six miles in section 7 and paragraph (2) of section 17 of the M1London Hackney Carriage Act 1853 (being the length of a journey which the driver of a cab is by law obliged to undertake) there shall be substituted a reference to such greater distance as appears to him to be appropriate.

An order under this section may be limited so as to apply only in relation to hirings in respect of journeys which begin, or which end, at such places as may be specified in the order, and may substitute different distances in relation to such hirings or any of them and in relation to other hirings.

The power to make orders under this section includes power to vary or revoke a previous order and shall be exercisable by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Before making any; order under this section the Secretary of State shall consult with such bodies appearing to him to represent the owners and drivers of cabs as he considers appropriate.