HC Deb 07 December 1920 vol 135 cc1894-5
26. Commander Viscount CURZON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any applications have been made for the licensing of motorcycle side-car combinations as taxi-cabs in the Metropolitan Police area; and, if not, whether any such applications could be approved?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Baird)

Applications for the licensing of motor side-cars as cabs have been received. As there are serious objections to the grant of such licences, the matter has been referred to a Committee appointed by the Minister of Transport; and pending their Report licences cannot be granted.

Viscount CURZON

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that the applications for these licences for motor-cycle side-car combinations would result in a very much larger number of taxis?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Can the hon. Member detail some of these serious objections?

Sir J. BAIRD

I do not think anything would be gained by doing that. The whole of the matter has been referred to a Committee, and is to be reported upon.