§ 15. Sir FRANK MEYERasked the Horse Secretary whether he has decided to take any action with the object of reducing taximeter cab fares in the Metropolitan area; and whether it is his intention to sanction the licensing of two-seater cabs?
§ 17. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary whether any decision has been reached with regard to the reduction or otherwise of the fares of taximeter cabs in London; whether 574 any decision has been reached with regard to the introduction of two-seater taximeter cabs in London; and, if it has been decided to introduce these cabs, will there be any addition to the present numbers or will the total number of cabs plying for hire remain the same?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf—as I gather—the taxicab trade is not prepared to agree to a reduction of fares—and I am awaiting their final answer—I propose to authorise the immediate licensing of two-seater cabs at a reduced tariff. There is no power to make the introduction of two-seater cabs dependent upon the withdrawal of an equivalent number of existing cabs.
§ Sir F. MEYERWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, in dealing with this question, that any reductions which are made merely in short distance fares—any distance under a mile—will not satisfy the demands of the public?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI want to have all the relevant considerations in my mind before I deal with a very difficult subject.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman he prepared to receive a deputation from the owners of cabs, if they are desirous of putting further facts before him?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf the hon. and gallant Member asks me to receive a deputation, I shall he glad to do so.
§ Mr. BRIANTHas the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Traffic Board with respect to the introduction of a large number of extra vehicles on our already overcrowded roads?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir; but I have ascertained from my advisers that within the next few years, there will be certainly 50,000 more vehicles on the streets of London, and I should think that the addition of 500 taxi-cabs would make no material difference.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of my question—whether there will be any addition to the present numbers.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have answered that part of the question.
§ Mr. R. MORRISON rose. —
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot debate the question.