Did London taxis have to carry some hay and a sack of oats by law until 1976?

Yes, it is true that London taxis were required by law to carry some hay and a sack of oats until 1976. This requirement was a holdover from the days when taxis were horse-drawn, and it was intended to ensure that the horses had food and water available in case of emergencies. Although taxis stopped being horse-drawn at the beginning of the 20th century, the law requiring the hay and oats remained on the books for many years. It was finally repealed in 1976.