28. Captain A. EVANSasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the question of instituting a practical test for taxi-cabs in the Metropolitan Police district; if so, will he say how often this test would be carried out; and whether 625 he is aware of the number of decrepit and obsolete taxi-cabs at present plying for hire on the streets of London, and the consequent danger to the public?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe practical test was instituted, after due notice to those concerned, in September, 1923. It is made annually, or at such other times as thought requisite if the efficiency of the engine is open to doubt. Though a proportion of the cabs licensed have been in use for some years, they have passed the necessary tests, and are not dangerous to the public.