HC Deb 25 March 1919 vol 114 cc209-10
40. Sir P. GOFF

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the fact that a large number of cabs were withdrawn from the streets in consequence of the refusal to sanction an agreement come to between the taxi-cab owners and drivers for the substitution of an all-round rate of 1s. per mile, owners agreeing to supply free petrol, in place of the existing 8d. per mile and 6d. extra, he can now see his way to consent to this arrangement being at once carried out?

Mr. SHORTT

The withdrawal of cabs to which the hon. Member refers was caused by a dispute between the Cab Company and its drivers. The company is now getting a number of its cabs re-licensed. I cannot agree to a further increase in cab fares. As I stated on the 11th March, the present shortage of cabs is due to scarcity of materials and labour; and an increase in fares would not, I am advised, produce an increase in the number of cabs.

Sir P. GOFF

Will the right hon. Gentleman give favourable consideration to a request to receive a deputation on the subject?

Mr. SHORTT

Certainly, if I am asked to do so.

41. Sir P. GOFF

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a taxi-cab driver accepting a hire to a house, hotel, or club has the right to refuse to wait for the fare; whether during the hiring he has the right to stop and demand his discharge on the plea of another engagement; and, if so, what remedy, if any, the public have?

Mr. SHORTT

By Section 47 of the London Hackney Carriage Act, 1831, the driver of a cab may demand a deposit if required to wait; therefore, by implication, a driver may be compelled to wait. Although there is no decision on the point, the general view is that if a driver accepts a hiring he is bound to complete his contract with the hirer. Should he decline to complete the hiring, he can be summoned.

Sir P. GOFF

Is the driver of a car in the rank for hire in New Palace Yard, where he has been admitted without paying entrance fee which is paid at the railway stations, entitled to refuse a fare?

Mr. SHORTT

I suppose that that will be covered by the answer.