§ 57. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can see his way now to reduce the price of taxicab fares in London, or whether, as has already been successfully done in Paris, he will authorise a smaller type of taxicab to be put on at cheaper rates?
Mr. DAVIESI regret that the Home Secretary cannot see his way to reduce taxi-cab fares at present. The Commissioner has no information about the smaller type of cabs referred to, unless the reference is to motor-cycles with side cars, which it is not considered desirable to license in London. If taxi-cabs of a smaller type than that existing are presented for licensing, the question of their fitness for the purpose will be considered.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the same prices are charged to-day with petrol at under 2s. a gallon as were charged when petrol was 4s. 6d. a gallon, and would 1978 not there be far fewer taxis lying idle if lower prices were charged?
§ Viscount EDNAMWhy does the hon. Gentleman propose to refuse licences for motor-cycles and side-cars? Is he aware that this type of vehicle is in great use in Birmingham and is of great convenience [...]here and other centres?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of Ford taxis are now plying in the streets of Paris, while they are not allowed in England?