§ MR. STEADMAN (Finsbury, Central)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of a cabman who, on the 15th of May, was a arrested for being drunk in the Harrow Road at 12.30 a.m., and was fin d on the next morning 4s. or four days, at the Marylebone Police Court, and to the fact that
† See (4) Debates, cliv., 1542.617 during the hearing it came out that he was a cab driver, badge 16,872, and that his licence expired on the 14th of June, and that when he applied for its renewal he was told that it would be suspended for two years; and, if so, will he say under what Act or regulation the Chief Commissioner took this action; and whether, as the man was not driving or in charge of a cab at the time of his a rest, he will take steps to see that the man's licence is renewed as soon as possible.(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) Yes, Sir. The driver in question is a man of intemperate habits. It was after his fifth conviction, and after repeated warnings, that his licence was refused him. It will not again be granted except upon proof that he has become a sober man. The action of the Commissioner of Police was taken under the London Hackney Carriages Act, 1843, Section 8, and this exercise of his power, has been upheld by the High Court (see 28 J.P. 438). I see no ground whatever for interfering with the Commissioner's discretion.