§ 20. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Home Secretary whether he is taking any steps to examine the accounts of representative taxicab owners and drivers to ascertain whether the new 6d. rate provides them with a reasonable livelihood?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI cannot add anything to the reply which I gave on the 28th November.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he favoured me with a reply to a question which I never asked. I asked whether he was preparing data so as to be ready to come to a decision when he does re-open the question—not whether he will re-open it or not?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am not going to re-open the question unless much more information than is at present available is placed before me.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESI am trying to find out whether the right hon. Gentleman is taking any steps to get information, such as examining the accounts of some of these drivers to find out what sort of livelihood they earn?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSSteps are being taken with great care indeed to ascertain the facts with regard to this matter.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWhat specific steps are being taken?
§ Colonel DAYHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the fact that many of these drivers are not able to take out their cabs on account of the very heavy repair bills which they have to meet?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not understand the point of the question. The question of repairs has nothing to do with the matter.