§ 28. Mr. CAMPBELLasked the Minister of Transport when it is expected that the sub-committee which has been set up to consider the question of crawling taximeter cabs and to suggest a remedy will report?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe subject in my hon. Friend's question is at present under consideration by the London Traffic Advisory Committee and I cannot say when they will be in a position to report to me upon it. The subject is one of considerable difficulty and complexity.
§ 61. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Home Secretary how many taximeter cabs with cheaper fares are now plying in the 863 London area, what are the prospects of the near future under the £350,000 guarantee, and how many of these cheaper taximeter cabs are being placed on the streets by the Beardmore Taxi-cab Company?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am informed by the Commissioner of Police that no taximeter cabs are yet licensed in the Metropolitan Police area to ply for hire at the cheaper rate of fare. Two different types of cabs, namely, "K.R.C." and the "Beardmore," have been approved by the Commissioner. In the case of the "K.R.C.," delay in licensing is attributed to the fact that it is not possible to obtain the materials for manafacture, owing to the present dislocation of industry. With regard to the "Beardmore," it has been ascertained that the cab, which was approved as the first of its type, has been sent to Scotland for the making of patterns and laying down of plant, etc., for the purpose of production. No definite information can be obtained as to the number it is proposed to place on the streets.
§ Sir FRANK MEYERIn view of the fact that there must be prolonged delay in putting these cabs on the streets for the use of the public, will my right hon. Friend reconsider the position and lower the present fares?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think it would be impossible to do that till the promoters of two-seater cabs have been given a chance, which, really, they have not had.