§ 5. Captain GARRO-JONESasked 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-HICKSThe new scale of fares applies to all motor taxicabs, whether licensed to carry two or four persons.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWill 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-HICKSEvery 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 KENWORTHYBut 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-HICKSNothing of the kind. There was no bargain of any kind.
§ Mr. MARCHDoes the right hon. Gentleman think a taxi-cab driver can make a special bargain with his employer's cab?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThere 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.