§ 13. Major GLYNasked the Home Secretary whether he can now make a statement as to the date on which the new rates of fares charged by taximeter motor cabs in the Metropolitan area will come into force; whether any two-seater motor cabs have been licensed; and, if no alteration has been agreed upon, whether it is intended that the existing scales of fares shall continue indefinitely?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe Order introducing the new scales came into force on 6th April last. No two-seater cab has yet been licensed. I informed the House on the 28th September last of the reasons given to me for the delay, and as the dislocation of industry to which I then referred has contin[...]d until now, I propose to wait a little longer before considering whether any further action on my part is called for.
§ Major GLYNDoes that mean that some time early in the new year there will be a revision of the existing scale?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, my hon. and gallant Fiend must not assume that. As the House knows, I have given a new scale for, two-seater cabs. We were in hopes that they would have been on the streets before now, but owing to the stoppage in industry they have not yet been built, and until I have given those who have applied for the terms of two-seater cabs sufficient time to build, I do not propose to make any other alteration in fares.
§ Mr. GARDNERIs there any truth in the rumour that the right hon. Gentleman proposes to put one of these cabs in the Museum?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat would depend entirely on circumstances.
§ Sir FRANK MEYERCan my right hon. Friend assure the House that he 1353 has not given any pledge to the makers of two-seaters that the fares on other taxi-cabs will not be lowered?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCertainly, can give that assurance. No pledge of any kind has been given.