§ 5 Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary how many two-seater taximeter cabs it is proposed to license to ply for hire in London; if he can state what is the average first cost of these vehicles; and what is to be the official name for them?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAny cabs presented for licensing which comply with the Commissioner's requirements will be licensed, and I have no power to impose any limitation of numbers. With regard to the second part of the question, I can only refer the hon. arid gallant Member to the figures as to costs which appear in the Report of the Two-Seater Committee. With regard to the last part of the question, no official name will be prescribed.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWhen will the first of these taxis be plying for hire?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs already announced, on Tuesday of next week new Regulations will be issued. It is not for me to say when the taxis will come on. All I can do is to frame Regulations which will admit two-seaters, and let other people put them on.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHas not the London Press already given a name to these. cabs?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODHas the Government considered the advisability of the Home Office putting on these two-seater cars themselves?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI doubt whether the hon. Member would agree to an Estimate for the purpose.