§ 65. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the decreased prices of petrol and motor tyres, he can see his way to reduce the charges of taxicab fares?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThis question has been considered from time to time, but my right hon. Friend cannot at present, having regard to all the circumstances, recommend any reduction of fares.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not the fact that many owner-drivers wish very much to have a reduction in fares?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI understand that, if this suggestion were carried out, it would throw many owner-drivers out of business altogether.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWhy, then, should they wish to have a reduction of fares?
§ Captain BERKELEYCan nothing be done to reduce the scale of charges for unserviceable taxicabs?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYWill the hon. Gentleman compare the scale of taxicab fares in Paris with those in London?
§ Mr. H. H. SPENCERDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that we would get lower taxicab fares if it were not for the 33⅓ per cent. duty on foreign cars?