§ 27. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Home Secretary what are the considerations that govern the price of taxi-cabs in London, besides those of petrol and motor tyres, that, in spite of the decrease of the cost of living since 1920, prevent any reduction in their prices below those of 1920?
Mr. HENDERSONI am advised that the capital cost of a cab is much higher than before the War, and so is the price of spare parts, garage, insurance, labour, and, in fact, all running costs, except petrol and tyres. I may point out that cab fares are only 50 per cent. above the pre-War level, while the general level of prices and wages is much higher.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the taxi-cab owners themselves consider that if they had lower fares they would have more people to use the taxis?
§ Mr. B. SMITHIs the right hon. Gentleman also aware that the drivers who work for the owners are determined to retain the present fares as long as they can rather than be reduced to starvation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is becoming a Debate.