§ 3. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any further statement to make with regard to the proposed introduction of two-seater taximeter cabs on the London streets?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)As the hon. and gallant Member will now be aware, I have 461 already signed an Order to permit the introduction of two-seater cabs at a lower tariff.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYYes, I have seen the statement that there has been delay. Will the right hon. Gentleman give us some information about this alleged delay in putting these cabs on the street?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe next question deals with that point, and perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will wait for the reply.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONMay I ask whether the consent of the right hon. Gentleman is given subject to the condition that the two-seater cabs are in accordance with the requirements of Scotland Yard?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am making a statement on that point on the next question.
§ 4. Sir FRANK MEYERasked the Home Secretary whether he has yet given his approval to any design for a two-seater taxi-cab; and what is likely to be the approximate cost of building a taxi-cab in conformity with such design?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSApproval so far has been given for two designs of two-seated taxi-cabs. In one of these cases, a cab has been submitted and, subject to rectification of certain points, it is practically ready for licensing, In the other case, drawings have been submitted and approved, and the vehicle, it is understood, is in the course of construction. I am not in a position to reply to the last part of the question.
§ Sir F. MEYERWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the police regulations are not such as to make the cost of these cabs too high?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir. I am in a position to say that I have, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Police, reconsidered the whole of the existing regulations and specifications in regard to cabs, and it will be possible for a cheaper type of cab to be built and used under the new regulations now being issued.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the new regulations permit of a narrower wheel base?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir.
§ Mr. SPENCERWhat right has the Department to fix the price of this service as against any other service performed by anybody else in the country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have the right.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether any modifications in the design have been passed by Scotland Yard for the two-seater cabs, and does he contemplate any modifications on the present type of taxi-cab?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAt present there has been no demand for any alteration in the design of the old existing taxicabs. As I have said, I have reconsidered, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Police, an adaptation of those specifications to the new type, and new regulations will be issued.