§ Mr. B. SMITH(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make on the subject of taxicab fares?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am glad to say that an agreement has been reached for a revised scale of fares of 6d. for the first two-thirds of a mile, and of 3d. for each additional third, with 4s. per hour for waiting time. Until such time as the necessary alterations are made in the taximeters an interim scale of charges approximating to three-quarters of the present charges will be in force. I hope to bring the interim system into operation as from 1st May.
§ Mr. SMITHCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the proposed tariff with regard to perambulators, bicycles and luggage?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe fee for the extra passenger is 6d., for ordinary pieces of luggage, 3d., and for bicycles and perambulators it is the present price, 9d.
§ Mr. SMITHMay I ask that in issuing this order the right hon. Gentleman will give sufficient time to enable the representatives of both sides to arrange for the bringing in of the order; whether the terms of the settlement include the cancellation of the order for two-seater cabs, and whether the period is to be for an experimental period?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSSo far as the two-seater cabs are concerned, the order which was issued a few months ago will be revoked, but if any two-seater cabs desire to ply they will come under this order. With regard to the experimental period, I am quite prepared to say that if at the end of a year or two years these fares are found to work harshly to the trade I will reconsider them. The hon. Member knows that I am always willing to consider these questions.
§ Captain BRASSMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has given any facilities for advertisements in taxi-cabs, and whether he is aware that an income of about 20s. a week should be obtained from this source by each cab?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir. I have given no facilities, and I do not propose to do so at present.
Colonel CROOKSHANKHas the right hon. Genleman considered a reduction of fares for extra passengers? As it stands at present, and is likely to be, it is cheaper to take an extra taxi than to take two people up?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe fare for an extra passenger is reduced to 6d. from the present fare of 9d.
§ Sir FRANK NELSONDoes the settlement arrived at involve any limitation in the numbers of taxi-cabs to be allowed on the streets in the London area?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONIn view of the fact that the arrangement the right hon. Member has made represents a considerable concession on the part of taxi-drivers, is he prepared to give some further consideration to perhaps small and selected advertisements inside taxi-cabs?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMy view at present is against the proposal.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINWill the right hon. Gentleman consider suggesting to Scotland Yard a modification of their Regulations which may do something towards lessening the capital price which has to be paid for these cabs, and which is very much higher in London than in any city in the world.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI can only be advised by my technical advisers, and they advise me that it is essential to have a really strong cab for London. If the hon. Member can suggest any alteration I shall be glad to communicate it to the Commissioner of Police.
§ Miss WILKINSONCan the right hon. Gentleman give his reasons why he refuses to have advertisements in taxi-cabs? Does he not think they might add to the interest of a taxi-cab drive?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have never found a ride in a two-seater devoid of interest.
§ Miss WILKINSONOn a point of explanation, has not the right hon. Gentle- 2281 man's preconceived opinion made him misunderstand my question? I said nothing about two-seaters, but I spoke of advertisements in four-seaters.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe hon. Lady must consult with me as to the type of advertisement which she thinks will be suitable.