§ Major COLFOX(by Private Notice): asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the reasons why no two-seater taxicabs have yet been licensed to ply for hire in the Metropolitan Police District, although nearly six months have elapsed since the Order, authorising the licensing of such cabs at a reduced fare, was made?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)I have throughout been in close touch with the Commissioner of Police on this matter, and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that there has not been any avoidable delay, either on my part or on that of the Commissioner. The Commissioner has drawn up Regulations, with the requirements of which two-seater taxicabs must comply before they can be licensed for hire. These Regulations are directed to ensuring that the new cabs may be freely manœuvred without unduly obstructing the traffic, and without prejudice to the safety of the passengers and of the public. With a view to preventing delay and inconvenience to the manufacturers, a close liaison has been maintained with the three firms who up till now have interested themselves in the construction of two-seater taxicabs, and a cab, submitted by one of these firms, was approved on 10th June as meeting the Commissioner's requirements. This firm has not vet submitted any cabs of the approved pattern for licence, because it has not, I am informed, been possible to obtain the materials for their manufacture, owing to the present dislocation of industry. The two other firms have both submitted cabs for approval, and 395 it is not anticipated that they will experience any difficulty in so altering them that they will comply with the Regulations.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMay I ask whether the Home Secretary has authorised the new name by which these taxicabs will be called when they are on the streets?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have not heard of any authorised name.