HC Deb 01 March 1926 vol 192 cc1031-2
88. Major GLYN

asked the Home Secretary what is the present total number of taximeter cabs licensed for use within the Metropolitan Police area; what is the total number of licensed drivers; and what were the corresponding figures for January, 1923 and 1920?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The number of motor cabs licensed in the Metropolitan Police district on the 31st January, 1926, was 8,262, and the number of motor cab drivers licensed was 10,226. On the 31st January, 1923, and on the 31st January, 1920, there were licensed in the Metropolitan Police district 7,222 and 5,547 motor cabs respectively. The number of motor cab drivers licensed in January, 1923, and January, 1920, cannot be supplied as the tabulated records have been destroyed.

Mr. R. MORRISON

Will the right hon. Gentleman take these figures carefully into consideration before he carries out his suggestion to flood the streets with these two-seater taxicabs?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

There is no suggestion of flooding the streets with two-seater taxicabs. It is simply in the interests of the public. If some people are prepared to put on two-seater taxicabs at a less price than that charged for four-seater taxicabs it will be difficult for me to refuse a licence.

Mr. MORRISON

Is it in the interests of the public that just now another Department is reducing the number of omnibuses that ply in the streets? How can the right hon. Gentleman at the same time reduce the number of omnibuses and increase the number of taxicabs?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

There may be a greater demand for the taxicabs.