HC Deb 06 August 1925 vol 187 cc1521-2
6. Mr. DALTON

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet reached any decision with regard to the Report of the Committee on the provision of two-seater taxi-cabs for London?

Sir W. JQYNSON-HICKS

I am considering the Report in consultation with the Minister of Transport, but I am not yet in a position to announce any decision.

Mr. R. MORRISON

In view of the fact that the Boardmore Taxi-cab Company has just received a guarantee under the Trades Facilities Acts of £350,000 to construct new taxi-cabs, will the right hon. Gentleman see that prospective buyers are warned that they may not be allowed to ply for hire with these cabs?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Anybody who has invested money in companies of that kind before I have arrived at a decision, do so at their own risk. I shall arrive at a decision in consultation with the Minister of Transport, entirely on the facts in the Report, and without any reference to any company under such scheme.

Mr. MORRISON

Yes, but surely the right hon. Gentleman knows that the Treasury has guaranteed this money upon the recommendation of the Trades Facilities Committee, and there is a grave danger that owner-drivers purchasing cabs on the hire-purchase system may be badly let down?