§ MR. LAWSON (St. Pancras, W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to the frequent cases of fraud perpetrated upon the public by the conductors of so-called "private" omnibuses, in taking passengers up under false pretences, and discharging them elsewhere than at the agreed place, for exorbitant fares; and, if so, whether he intends to take steps to put a stop to this practice, by altering the conditions of the licences, or by other means?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)No, Sir, my attention has not been called to this matter. I am informed by the police that they cave received a few complaints during the last three months; but all the complainants have refused to support proceedings taken before a magistrate. The conductors have, in each case, been warned by the police that the complaint has been noted against their names, and will be taken into consideration when the time comes for the renewal of their licences. I hope this caution may be sufficient to deter conductors from their evil practices.