§ 12. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Home Secretary whether any further steps have been taken to reduce the price of taximeter-cab fares or to put a cheaper and lighter four-seater taximeter cab on to the London streets?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. No new type of four-seater has been presented for licensing, and I have no knowledge that any vehicle of such type is in course of construction.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Berlin new taxis are being put on the streets starting at 3½d., and in Paris at 2½d., in spite of a high octroi tax on petrol; and can he see his way in this country, with tyres and petrol lower than they have ever been, either to put on a cheaper four-seater taxi or reduce the present exorbitant charges for what are often antiquated and antediluvian vehicles?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI sympathise with my hon. and gallant Friend regarding some of the vehicles, but he must remember that the police have to exercise their powers with discretion. Many of these vehicles are owned by retired soldiers, and it would be a very serious thing to be too stern. We are trying to improve the condition of taxis. In regard to taxi fares, all I can say is that, while we did not have the benefit of the presence of my hon. and gallant 265 Friend here last year, we had a Committee on that subject, and we have authorised taxis at lower prices—two-seater taxis—and I hope that before the Spring some of those vehicles will be on the streets.
§ Captain BRASSWould my right hon. Friend consider allowing advertisements to appear in taxi-cabs so as to help towards the reduction of fares?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think that hardly arises out of this question. I do not like the idea.