HC Deb 31 March 1925 vol 182 cc1103-4
69. Sir FRANK MEYER

asked the Minister of Transport, whether he is aware that a number of taxi-cabs plying for hire in the Metropolitan area are below the standard of efficiency and comfort which the public have a right to expect; and whether he is prepared to take steps to ensure that such vehicles be either brought up to a proper standard or taken off the streets?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)

I have been asked to reply. A practical test was instituted 18 months ago. It is made annually or at such other times as thought requisite if the efficiency of the engine is open to doubt; and I think the conditions both as to efficiency and comfort are improving.

Sir F. MEYER

If I bring to the right hon. Gentleman's attention specific cases of cabs which are not reaching the required standard of comfort, will he have those cases inquired into?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it not a fact that no city enjoys a better taxi-cab service than does London?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I think that that is right. Of course, if a very special complaint were brought before me I would inquire about it, but I would point out that many of the cabs complained of are cabs owned by ex-service men who have invested all their money in them, and I like to be as lenient as I can in such cases.

Mr. GOODMAN ROBERTS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the slow moving taxi-cabs impede traffic considerably by crawling along beside the pavement to pick up passengers?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The question of crawling cabs is a different question.

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