§ 10. Mr. HURDasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the tariff of reduced fares is being shown in taximeter cabs in such a way as to be invisible to the passengers at night-time, and that in some cases drivers are demanding the fare marked on the meter without the legal deduction; and whether he will take steps to have the tariff of reduced fares placed so as to be more visible at night?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir, I am aware of this difficulty, but I regret that it would not be easy to meet it without requiring cabs to be internally lit. On the whole, the position of the notice is as convenient as any that could be selected for the purpose and it is only a temporary one until the present meters can be altered. I may add that the modification of fares is now well known.
§ Mr. HURDIn any new arrangements that may be made, will the right hon. Gentleman take care that the fare properly demanded of the passenger is clearly marked on the meter and not put in such a way that he cannot really know what he has to pay?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWhen the revision takes place I will communicate my hon. Friend's suggestion to the Chief Commissioner with a view to having a legible meter.
§ Mr. SNOWDENAre there not a few taxis on the street where the figures on the clock are very much larger, so that there is no difficulty, and, when the change is made, could he insist on the figures being larger than at present? Is he also aware that it is not merely a question of seeing in the dark, but that the light strikes the clock in such a way that even in daylight it is often difficult to see?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am aware of the difficulty in regard to the figures. I have seen one or two that are quite legible, and, if possible, I will suggest to the Commissioner that a better type of taxi-meter should be used, as far as possible.
Sir F. HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman defer a decision as to altering these taxi-meters until he has decided whether the present fares should continue or not? Is he aware that the change would cost a tremendous lot to the industry, and will he leave it in abeyance until the end of the year?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYWhen are the new taxi-meters coming into force?
§ SIR W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have received a deputation from London Members on that very subject, and have promised to give the matter consideration.
§ Sir JAMES REMNANTHas the right hon. Gentleman any idea how much the conversion of the present meters to new meters showing the new scale of fares will cost?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think about £24,000.
§ Mr. THURTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that a large number of London Members were not consulted with regard to the deputation to which he referred?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf the hon. Member desires to make any representation to me, I will carefully consider it.