§ 54. Major NEWMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the shortage of motor cabs in the provinces as well as in London is caused almost entirely by the fact that the fares allowed 624 to be charged are, with the rise in petrol-oil, tyres, and wages, unremunerative to owners; and whether, seeing that the raising of the initial fare in London from 8d. to 1s. would have the immediate effect of placing many scores of cabs on the streets and so providing an additional revenue as well as adding to the comfort and convenience of the public, he will consider the advisability of authorising such an increased fare?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir George Cave)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have re-received representations from certain owners of motor cabs to the effect that the fares now allowed to be charged are, having regard to the present price of petrol and other circumstances, unremunerative to the owners, and I hope shortly to have a conference with the representatives of the owners and drivers on the subject. I am not satisfied, however, that an increase of the initial fare would have the effect suggested in the question, as I understand that the Petrol Committee have intimated that they are unable to-grant petrol certificates to any additional motor cabs.