HC Deb 28 April 1927 vol 205 cc996-7
5. Captain GARRO-JONES

asked the Home Secretary whether, under the new order he proposes to issue, stipulating the maximum fares chargeable by taximeter-cabs, it will be open to the two-seater taximeter-cabs to charge lower fares if they desire?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The new scale of fares applies to all motor taxicabs, whether licensed to carry two or four persons.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question whether the two-seater taxi-cabs will be entitled, if they so desire, to charge lower fares than those fixed as the maximum fares?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Every taxicab must, of course, have its taximeter, but it is open to any driver to make a special bargain with a customer to carry him at half fare, if he likes to do so.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

But was there not an understanding with the taxi-cab drivers, when the reduced scale of charges was agreed upon, that the two-seater cabs would not be encouraged or licensed?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Nothing of the kind. There was no bargain of any kind.

Mr. MARCH

Does the right hon. Gentleman think a taxi-cab driver can make a special bargain with his employer's cab?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

There are a great many taxi-cab drivers who own their own cabs, and it is open to them to make special bargains, if they like.